Emory Ranks Fifth In Southeast For Current Peace Corps Volunteers

Emory University ranks fifth among colleges and universities in the Southeast for currently serving Peace Corps volunteers, according to Peace Corps Southeast Regional Manager John Eaves. In an announcement yesterday, Eaves released the following rankings:

Top Ranking Southeastern Schools for Current Peace Corps Volunteers

(school, current/historical)

1-University of Florida, 46/784

2-University of Georgia, 33/231

3-Florida State University, 27/487

4-Auburn State University, 21/216

5-Emory University, 20/279

Two years ago, Emory ranked 10th nationally among schools with 5,000 or fewer undergraduates. However, due to the growth in Emory's student enrollment, its number of Peace Corps volunteers is now compared with all schools nationwide, not just those with undergraduate enrollment of less than 5,000. Emory now ranks 42nd in the nation for total Peace Corps volunteers, an impressive placement considering the size of many large schools that Emory is being measured against.

"I want to congratulate the incredible students coming to us from schools throughout the Southeast for their dedication and important work as Peace Corps volunteers," said Eaves. "Peace Corps and these fine institutions are shaping these individuals for leadership positions and future success in their fields. We'd like to strengthen these partnerships with schools and communities during this exciting time as we expand to having 10,000 volunteers overseas in the next few years."

Peace Corps places skilled U.S. citizens in developing countries for 27-month assignments. Volunteers gain international experience with all expenses paid, free language and cross-cultural training, complete medical and dental coverage, possible student loan deferment, graduate school opportunities, and a $6,075 relocation allowance after an assignment.

Today more than 7,000 Peace Corps volunteers serve in 78 countries around the world, working to fight hunger, prevent the spread of AIDS, protect the environment, teach children, promote health and nutrition, and start small businesses. Since 1961, more than 155,000 Americans have joined the Peace Corps. For more information about the Peace Corps, call (800) 424-8580, option 1 or visit www.peacecorps.gov.