For eight years, Lehigh University’s College of Education (COE) has held its own as one of the most innovative and competitive education schools in the country. Now, things just got a little better.

This April, the COE was recognized as the 32nd best graduate education program in the United States by U.S. News and World Report. That represents a jump of 17 places from 2005, making it the college’s highest ranking since it first broke into the magazine’s Top 50 in 2001.

“We’re once again honored to keep such great company,” said Dr. Sally A. White, dean and professor. “Our commitment to academic excellence and innovative research has certainly been recognized by our peers in the education community.”

That is, perhaps, most evident in Lehigh’s reputation score, which accounts for nearly 40 percent in the magazine’s ranking formula. Among superintendents, Lehigh jumped 15 spots to the number 26 position; deans of education at graduate schools ranked Lehigh’s COE three places higher than the previous year as well.

“For years, we’ve had exceptional faculty who, working with their students, conducted ground-breaking research. That certainly won’t change,” Dr. White explained. “That’s a legacy we’re very proud of. The students who graduate from our program are well-prepared to be the next generation of educational leaders.”

In fact, prospective graduate students are finding Lehigh’s COE more attractive—and competitive—each passing year. This year the college made substantial increases in both average verbal GRE scores (up fifteen spots to 15th) and average quantitative GRE score (up eight spots to 22nd).

According to Dr. White, the college’s priorities will continue to center on recruiting top faculty who are engaged in innovative research projects and offering cutting edge degree programs to the students. She also sees the benefits in landing leadership positions among the nations’ most reputable associations and national committees.

“It’s important that Lehigh has a seat at the table and is actively involved in assuming positions on national committees, executive boards and journal editorial boards,” added Dr. White. “There’s a great mix of people and ideas here in the college, and I truly think we’re in the best position yet to contribute to exciting new developments and policies in education.”