Mills Recognized for Academic Excellence and Sustainability Practices
Oakland, CA—July 29, 2009. Mills College has been named one of the
Best 371 Colleges and one of the greenest colleges in the nation by the Princeton Review, scoring a
98 out of a possible 99 for its environmental policies and practices.
The Best 371 Colleges characterizes Mills as an institution that is "socially aware,
progressive, academically serious, community-based, and diverse."
The academics are described as "exceptional" with small class sizes, caring passionate
professors, ample class discussion, and plenty of homework but "all academic expectations are reasonable
and clearly stated, and professors and TA's are available to help with any questions." In addition to
social justice and environmental awareness, "race, class, sexuality, and gender issues are brought up in
almost all classes by students and professors alike, regardless of the discipline." The most popular
majors are English, political science, and psychology.
"Being named one of the best colleges in the nation is a recognition of Mills' academic quality
and the unique educational environment we provide for women," said Renée Jadushlever, vice president
for operations.
This is the fifth consecutive year that Mills has been included in this national report, a recognition
given to only the top 15 percent of four-year U.S. colleges. Mills is one of only six schools in the Bay
Area to be included.
The Princeton Review also said "the school's sustainability initiatives make Mills one of the
most 'green' campuses in the United States," and the Mills campus environment is "a pretty
oasis…good for taking relaxing walks." The green category is the publication's newest rating.
With Mills' rating of 98, it ranks among the best institutions in the country. Only 15 colleges and
universities nationwide received the top scoring 99 rating.
"Mills College is committed to achieving a more sustainable environment through our academic programs
and campus management," said Barbara Haber, interim associate vice president for campus planning and
facilities. "We are fortunate to have a highly motivated community of students, faculty, and staff
focusing on sustainability."
Mills students are best described as "studious, serious, quirky, diverse, and atypical... the
student body as a whole is very liberal, socially and politically." The Princeton Review said that
"social awareness and political activism is practically a prerequisite among the student population,
which principally consists of environmentally aware, intelligent women who enjoy learning and making a
difference."
The Princeton Review also ranked Mills students 18th for "most liberal."
The Princeton Review's annual college report has been based almost entirely on surveys of students
attending the schools, including more than 120,000 students who were queried nationally. Students were asked
80 questions about their school's academics, administration, campus life, and student body.
Nestled in the foothills of Oakland, California, Mills College is a nationally renowned, independent
liberal arts college offering a dynamic progressive education that fosters leadership, social responsibility,
and creativity to approximately 950 undergraduate women and 500 graduate women and men. Since 2000,
applications to Mills College have more than doubled. The College ranks as one of the top colleges in the
West by U.S. News & World Report. For more information, visit www.mills.edu.
PRESS CONTACT: Quynh Tran Media Relations Manager 510.430.2300
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