University of Richmond Ranks in Top 20 in Gender Equity in First U.S. News and World Report College Sports Rankings

March 13, 2002

The University of Richmond is ranked no.18 nationally in gender equity in the first-ever U.S. News & World Report college sports programs rankings.

The magazine in its March 18 issue names Richmond to its list of the 20 colleges that are making the most progress in "providing athletic opportunities for women." Richmond was the only school in Virginia to make the list. Drexel and Georgia Tech finished first and second, respectively, in the category.

"We are appreciative of being recognized nationally for our efforts to provide equal opportunities for both our men and women student-athletes," said University of Richmond President William E. Cooper. The university has been ranked no. 1 in its category in U.S. News's "Best Colleges" issue for the past eight years.

The magazine says the rankings assess the "depth, breadth and integrity of university athletic programs in Division I." All 321 Division I schools are included in the survey. The other categories in the special issue examine the overall winning percentages for men's and women's sports, the number of sports offered and graduation rates.

A special category called Honor Roll recognizes the top 20 schools with the best overall rankings in the four categories. Finally, there is a list of schools that have been the "worst offenders" in being sanctioned by the NCAA.