Collegiate Times

The National Science Foundation recently released rankings of programs across the nation and Virginia Tech's research spending was ranked No. 11 in 2005, moving up three places from its 2004 ranking of No. 14.

"Research is not only important to the college of agriculture, but also to the students," said Craig Nessler associate dean for Research and director of the Agricultural Experiment Station. "Quality research and funding makes any degree more valuable."

Tech's spending was reported at more than $68 million, $3.8 million dollars greater than the agricultural research expenditures that the university reported in 2004.

"The jump in funding is a reflection of the hard work of our faculty," said Michael Kelly, dean of the College of Natural Resources. "Plus the fact that we have hired a number of new research faculty members who have hit the ground running and acquired a lot of new funds for the university."

Schools such as the University of Florida, Texas A & M University, Penn State and University of Georgia were ranked ahead of Tech.

"As with all rankings, it's nice when an external organization speaks highly of your institution," said Mark Owczarski, university spokesman. "The hope is that ratings like this will encourage potential students and faculty to consider Tech as a place to live, to work, or to study."

Nessler said there is a strong chance that Tech will be in the NSF's top 10 the next time rankings are released.

"I can almost predict it because we are counting on the funds increasing even more than they already have."

Within the state of Virginia, however, Tech has the largest research program with a total of more than $289.9 million in yearly research expenditures.