R2 to R1

Improving the University’s environment for research and doctoral education is a critical component of the University of South Alabama’s (USA) growth and maturation as the Flagship of the Gulf.  Currently, USA is ranked as a high research activity doctoral university (Carnegie R2), this is a remarkable achievement for a university just 60 years old and this achievement should be a source of pride for USA faculty, staff, students and alumni. USA is in the top 7% of all U.S. universities in terms of research accomplishments. In the Fall of 2022, The University President and Executive Vice President/Provost authorized an Ad Hoc Committee to explore whether the University should pursue a Carnegie very high research activity (R1) ranking. The Committee recommended in March 2023 that the University should proceed with the development of an R1 Business Strategy.