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Best in the WestWhat exactly does it mean to be the best? Webster’s dictionary defines the word best as: of the most excellent, effective, or desirable type or quality. Less formal definitions may include being the top dog, number one, or even unbeatable. The Princeton Review releases an annual list of the nation’s best colleges by region. Along with 123 other schools, the one and only Oklahoma Baptist University made the Best in the West list. OBU has been honored with many other national rankings over the years, but there is a bit more prestige associated being recognized by the Princeton Review. “The Princeton Review is based upon surveys administered to college students,” Bruce Perkins, Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management said. “Thus, this review is reflective of the students’ experience at their particular institution.” Perkins began as director of admissions in September 2006 after serving as a senior pastor for 25 years and the headmaster of a Christian k-12 school for 5 years. He now serves as associate vice president for enrollment management. He oversees admissions, financial aid, the academic center and the Milburn center. With national recognition comes a national reputation, and OBU’s consistent performance and high rankings have earned it a solid one. (maybe change to reputation? Your call) “High marks in college rankings always make a positive impact upon prospective students and their parents. Such rankings speak to quality, affordability, and satisfaction,” Perkins said. “Students view rankings and feel their experience at a university will be worth the investment and result in a degree that is substantial and respected in the marketplace,” he said. Because OBU has a long history with national rankings, one might wonder how the university has maintained a positive image for so long. One word can answer that: change. “I am sure that growth and progress contribute to our rankings,” Perkins said. “The expansion of programs, facilities and enrollment leads to enthusiasm on campus as well as excitement among our alumni and other friends of the university,” he said. The Princeton Review is based on more than just facilities and enrollment though. According to the Princeton Review website, the colleges they choose each year have to meet two criteria. First, they must pass reviews for academic excellence. Second, they have to be able to independently survey students attending the schools through a secure online survey. The schools are split up into four regions: northeastern, southeastern, Midwestern, and western. Between the regions, a total of 648 schools made the list. Regardless of how many schools were named to the lists, the recognition adds a little more to the already upright reputation of OBU. “It is always an honor to be included in rankings of any sort,” Perkins said. “The fact that OBU has been ranked as one of the best colleges in the western region of the United States for the tenth consecutive year speaks to the university's long-standing commitment to offer the best educational experience possible to our students,” he said. As years pass and more rankings come along, the hope is that future students will call a nationally recognized school their home. “This particular ranking reflects our students' excitement about being a bison and the choice they made to attend OBU,” Perkins said. “Thus, the ranking stimulates interest in OBU among prospective students and their families. When these potential bison visit our campus they quickly learn why this is a special place and leave understanding why OBU is ranked so highly,” he said. ................
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