Rankings and awards do not drive a great university, but they do help illuminate some of its accomplishments. Virginia Commonwealth University has accumulated more than its share of plaudits in recent years, highlighting the school’s academic achievements and institutional strengths.

VCU has been cited as a preeminent research university with one of the country’s leading medical centers and the VCU School of the Arts is ranked as one of the nation’s top arts and design schools. Many of VCU’s graduate programs have received accolades — among them, the nurse anesthesia, sculpture and Brandcenter programs have been ranked No. 1 in the country. In addition, VCU and its Medical Center have been praised as best places to work and the student body attracts kudos for its impressive diversity.

Our bricks and mortar have even attracted notice — the new Shafer Court Dining Center won a national design award.