This semester, Prairie View A&M University’s research status and activity were elevated to the status of high research activity (Research 2 or R2) university. This Carnegie Classification is bestowed by the Center for Postsecondary Research at Indiana University, the leading framework for describing the diversity of U.S. colleges and universities.
The latest Carnegie Classifications were announced in December. Researchers, policymakers, and administrators use this tool/classification to inform grant-making and federal and state funding of institutions. It is even used as the basis for the categories of annual rankings, such as U.S. News & World Report.
Within three years of my leadership in the Division of Research & Innovation, PVAMU has gone from an M1: Master’s Colleges & Universities: Larger Programs to an R2. This accomplishment is remarkable. This designation was achieved through the collaborative efforts between R&I, the Office of Academic Affairs, Graduate Studies, and the dedication of campus faculty and research scientists. Together, we increased our research expenditures and the number of graduates earning their doctoral degrees.
The University’s new classification is awarded to universities with at least 20 annual doctoral degrees and at least $5 million in total annual research expenditures. Prairie View A&M has awarded 22 doctoral degrees in 2020 and increased its research expenditures from $10.9 million in 2010 to over $23.6 million in 2020.
Our work as a doctoral university with high research activity is just beginning. As an emerging research institution, we will further demonstrate our commitment to pursue research and innovation projects that impact:
- the students will educate and develop into scholars,
- the community we collaborate with to improve the economic development and societal impact footprint of this great institution, and
- the industries and federal agencies that we partner with.
Magesh Rajan, Ph.D., P.E., MBA
So, as we begin this new journey with an elevated Carnegie Classification, PVAMU is among only ten historically Black colleges and universities in the nation identified as having “high research activity” and 139 universities overall. While we celebrate our elevated classification, we must continue working, researching and innovating with a higher sense of calling not to just maintain our new status but establish Prairie View A&M as an emerging research institution.
Magesh Rajan, Ph.D., P.E., MBA, is vice president of the Division of Research & Innovation at Prairie View A&M University.