Since 2008, Lipscomb’s College of Education has grown by roughly 75 percent, adding 300 students. Credit: LU via Facebook

In the world of college rankings, Nashville’s Lipscomb University often has to settle for regional placements. But its college of education has attracted some national exposure, and the university plans to make the most of it.

College administrators love to hate how much emphasis is put on U.S. News and World Report standings these days – unless they’re on top. Dean Candice McQueen calls it “fantastic” to be in the top four schools of education out of 1,100 around the country.

“It really gives us some affirmation that the focus on excellence and quality is where we should be,” McQueen says.

The top ranking is being promoted on Lipscomb’s homepage. McQueen laughs when asked how long it will take for the favorable stat to be plastered on one of the school’s billboards.

The standings are based on research from the National Council on Teacher Quality, which also put together a short film highlighting Lipscomb’s program. One testimonial is from Shuler Pelham, principal at Nashville’s Overton High School. He says the teachers have a mastery of their subjects.

“With the Lipscomb grads who come into our building, they’re coming in with that knowledge in tact already,” Pelham says.

Lipscomb has also been held up in state reports that found new graduates are some of the few who produce better results than veteran teachers.