Drexel: An 'Age-Friendly' University

Drexel: "Drexel University has been named an Age-Friendly University (AFU) in recognition of its commitment to meeting the needs and aspirations of all people, old and young. Drexel, the first AFU in Philadelphia and one of only two in Pennsylvania, will join a growing initiative that includes more than 60 institutions throughout the United States and around the world ... The AFU network is guided by 10 principles, which Drexel will incorporate into its longstanding commitment to equity and civic engagement."

"Building from the AFU designation, Drexel will seek new ways to engage older adults and the organizations that serve them; ensure that current and future generations of students and faculty adopt an intergenerational lens throughout their careers; and increase aging-related research that is informed by older adults, local communities and other stakeholders."

"The new Cell2Society Aging Research Net, a Drexel Area of Research Excellence (DARE) initiative ... unites over 30 researchers from across the University and is developing a strong infrastructure for aging research ... The College of Nursing and Health Professions is also helping to develop and implement a range of cutting edge, evidence-based clinical and social programs for older adults."

Elon Update: A 10-Year Plan for Growth

The Times News: "Elon University launched its next strategic plan this week, committing to achieving a hefty list of goals in the next 10 years. The plan, 'Boldly Elon,' focuses on engaged learning, diversity in student body and staff, and outreach. It builds on the Elon Commitment from 2010 to 2020, which according to the university was 96 percent completed. The university wants to attract more STEM students by creating a School of Engineering, and create an 'Innovation Quad' in the launch of a STEM center. The four-year engineering degree program launched two years ago and, according to University News Bureau Director Owen Covington, has become a 'popular path for incoming Elon students'."

"According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs within the umbrella of engineering are expected to grow 5 percent to 10 percent, which is above average. Elon also will add a nursing program in fall 2021. This is in direct response to a shortage of nurses in North Carolina. According to a recent report from Georgetown University, North Carolina is projected to have a deficit of nearly 13,000 nurses by 2025."

"Elon also is taking steps to partner with Alamance and Guilford county to support literacy, certification and teacher licensure programs, and college readiness programs. The school will renovate the McMichael Science Center, the Koury Center and the Moseley Center ... Recently, the university launched its LEADS campaign, its commitment to raising $250 million by 2022 ... Not all students have access to study abroad programs, so Covington said the university has “set the goal of 100 percent study abroad access.” Funding will come from the new LEADS campaign."

By State: Which College is Toughest?

USA Today: "24/7 Wall St. reviewed admissions data across thousands of four-year, degree-granting institutions from the National Center for Education Statistics to determine each state’s most selective college. Its index was based on admission rates as well as SAT scores of admitted students to measure the difficulty of being accepted to those universities and colleges."

"The most highly selective institutions by state appear to deserve their high number of applicants, at least based on the income potential of their graduates. The median earnings for students at the schools on this list exceeds that of the vast majority of schools in nearly every case. Over a dozen have median earnings 10 years after matriculation in excess of $70,000. In the majority of colleges and universities, that figure is less than $33,000." You can find the complete list here.