Wheeling, WV, Aug. 17, 2007 - The 2008 edition of U.S.News & World Report's "America's Best Colleges" ranks Wheeling Jesuit University number 18 in the "Best Universities-Master's Category" in the South, making it the highest ranked college or university in West Virginia for 11 consecutive years. The University moved up in its ranking from last year by three spots.

"This ranking reflects the high academic standards and the commitment to excellence that is a hallmark of Jesuit education. We are pleased that U.S. News recognizes the hard work and dedication of our faculty and administrators who provide excellent educational opportunities to our students which celebrate the integral human development of mind, body and spirit,” said the Rev. Julio Giulietti, S.J., University president.

"Wheeling Jesuit University is not only important to West Virginia because it is our only Catholic institution of higher education in the state, but also because of its prominence as an academic leader in this region," said the Most Rev. Michael J. Bransfield, Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston. "I commend the university's new president, the Rev. Julio Giuletti, S.J., and the faculty, staff and board of Wheeling Jesuit on once again earning top honors in this category in West Virginia. We are proud of Wheeling Jesuit's many accomplishments and look forward to many more wonderful achievements."

The rankings examine 574 universities in the "Best Universities-Master's" category within four geographic areas-North, South, Midwest and West, 17 more than last year. Highlights of the college rankings are scheduled for publication in the August 27 edition of U.S.News & World Report magazine, available for newsstand purchase as of Monday, August 20 - the same day that the America's Best Colleges guidebook also is available.

“We have succeeded at extending the 466 year Jesuit tradition of educating women and men for others--and we will continue to promulgate that success in our partnership with others for the improvement of the Appalachian Region," said Dr. James F. Birge, executive vice president at the University.

"Wheeling Jesuit University exists to serve Wheeling, the Ohio Valley, the State of West Virginia and our neighbors, and the Appalachian Region. We are a significant contributor to the financial, intellectual and spiritual well being of the communities we serve. Our distinct association with the American Jesuit Colleges and Universities, which is comprised of 28 Jesuit institutions of higher education, further distinguishes us, and enriches our presence in the City of Wheeling," said Brent A. Bush, vice president for Institutional Advancement.

Don Rigby, executive director of the Ohio Valley Industrial and Business Development Corporation congratulated school officials saying that, "having an educated workforce is a key factor in deciding where a business locates. Having a highly rated University in our community helps us to create quality jobs."

Wheeling Jesuit is poised to begin its 2007-2008 school year on Aug. 27 when classes for both day and evening students commence.

The University has more than 30 undergraduate and seven graduate programs and is also home to the Robert C. Byrd National Technology Transfer Center, the Erma Ora Byrd Center for Educational Technologies, the NASA-sponsored Classroom of the Future, a Challenger Learning Center and the Clifford M. Lewis Appalachian Institute.

To arrange a visit of the Wheeling campus or to apply, call 1-800-624-6992, e-mail admiss@wju.edu or visit online at www.wju.edu.