A Look at U.S. News and World Report’s Diversity Rankings

Dr. Heather Knight, an experienced educational administrator, graduated from Stanford University with a PhD before holding positions as president at the University of the Pacific and Andrews University. A pioneer in higher education, Dr. Heather Knight was also the first African-American female to serve as president and chief operating officer of Pacific Union College in California.

During her time at Pacific Union College, Dr. Knight successfully increased the diversity of the institution, among other accomplishments. The school was named the Most Diverse National Liberal Arts College by U.S. News and World Report in 2016. A multi-platform publisher, U.S. News and World Report has been providing news and information since its founding more than 85 years ago.

The company’s diversity rankings complement other “Best Of” lists that range from best colleges and best hospitals to best graduate schools and best liberal arts institutions. The diversity rankings reflect the racial and ethnic diversity on a college campus, and are informed by each institution’s undergraduate student body. Ethnic categories that increase a school’s diversity rankings include non-Hispanic African-American, Hispanic, American Indian, Pacific Islander/Native Hawaiian, Asian, non-Hispanic white and multiracial. These categories are factored against non-Hispanic white students to produce a diversity score from 0 to 1.

A Look at the Responsibilities of a College President

Dr. Heather Knight most recently served as the president of Pacific Union College in Napa Valley, California. Responsible for guiding the institution’s vision, mission, strategy, and operations, Dr. Heather Knight was the first black female to serve as president of the college.

Generally, a college president has responsibility for the overall administration and organization of a college. Focused on fulfilling an institution’s vision and mission, a college president makes recommendations to a board of trustees in regards to policy and budget changes. A college president also typically guides all programs related to campus building projects.

Moreover, a college president maintains involvement in administrative decisions such as forming search committees for fundraising, new hires, and the improvement of facilities. The individual has the ability to appoint members to committees that make decisions regarding academic issues. A college president also spends time on public relations duties and is often expected to represent the university at social and civic events.

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