For the third consecutive year, UM has been named the top university in the nation for community and national service, an honor that highlights institutions excelling in student and alumni contributions to public service.
“This ranking confirms what we know to be true: UM students and alumni continuously outperform their peers in the fields of community, national, and military service,” said UM President Seth Bodnar. “As Grizzlies, we are united by our passion to give back, serve, and do our part to address the most pressing challenges facing our society.”
The rankings, conducted annually by Washington Monthly, assess universities based on their commitment to social mobility, research, and public service. Key factors include student voter registration, the number of degrees awarded in service-related fields, and the university’s success in producing leaders dedicated to the public good.
UM has maintained its No. 1 ranking thanks to its strong support for military veterans, high participation in the Peace Corps, and a broad range of volunteer initiatives. Additionally, students pursue degrees in high-demand public service fields such as education, healthcare, social work, and law.
This year, UM expanded its civic engagement efforts with a major grant from the Mellon Foundation to launch a Democracy Studies Program. The initiative aims to instill civic values in students across all disciplines.
“I hope we’re able to show students that essential themes of democracy—leadership, citizenship, ethics, governance, public policy, and dissent—matter to so many pursuits,” said history professor Kyle Volk, who is co-leading the grant. “I can’t think of anything more important right now than preparing students to be good citizens.”
Looking ahead, Bodnar is optimistic that UM’s service-oriented mission will secure another top ranking next year.
“From the moment they arrive for orientation to the day they receive their diploma, our students have access to unmatched service and community-building opportunities,” he said. “That is one of the values of a UM education that sets us apart from everyone else.”
With its three-peat victory, UM continues to prove that service isn’t just part of the curriculum—it’s a way of life.
By: DNU staff