To the editor:

The editorial published on Sunday, Sept. 14 praised the efforts of School of Business Dean Neeli Bendapudi, School of Engineering Dean Michael Branicky and former Interim Engineering Dean Stan Rolfe for the improvement in the US News and World Report rankings. These three individuals certainly deserve credit for their hard work and effective leadership. However, others also deserve credit for the improved rankings.

The US News and World Report’s website indicate that the rankings “are based solely on judgments of administrators and senior faculty at peer institutions.” In the past, I have participated in these rankings of engineering programs and know the perceptions of institutions change little in short time periods. Significant changes in rankings require extended time periods for changed perceptions among those participating in the rankings.

Former Dean Stuart Bell made significant contributions to the changed rankings during his 10-year tenure as dean. He led the school in enrollment increases, construction of new physical facilities and increases in status of engineering education in Kansas.

Faculty success in research productivity and student success in national competitions are other factors in perceptions among those ranking the program.

I fully expect under the current leadership these rankings will continue to improve. However, I think is also worthwhile to remember those who have contributed to improve rankings over an extended time period.