Hobart and William Smith Colleges joined a select group of schools this month recognized for outstanding research. The Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education named HWS a “Research College”, placing it among just 216 schools nationwide and only 38 primarily undergraduate institutions.
This new classification highlights the college’s investment in faculty-mentored student research and national grant-funded science projects.
HWS builds research leadership
Provost Sarah Kirk said the recognition confirms HWS’ focus on deep research engagement.
“We’ve built a culture where students do real research alongside faculty,” Kirk said. “Our success securing major grants shows how strong that model is.”
HWS currently hosts two NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) programs and one NIH AREA grant. These competitive grants fund original student research in STEM fields.
Each summer, about 100 students stay on campus to work in labs and field sites. HWS supports this work through a mix of federal grants and alumni-backed endowments.
Research begins in the classroom
HWS follows a teacher-scholar model. Professors use their research to mentor students directly, both inside and outside the classroom.
In April, Professor Nan Crystal Arens received more than $350,000 from the NSF. Her new REU project explores the impact of microplastics in the Finger Lakes watershed. Students will collect data, conduct lab testing, and present results in peer-reviewed settings.
Science expansion underway
HWS plans to grow its research infrastructure even more. The college will break ground on the new Fish Center for the Sciences in January 2026. The 40,000-square-foot facility will house labs, classrooms, and advanced research equipment across four floors.
The center will unify teaching and research in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Recognition reflects long-term effort
Mushtaq Gunja, who oversees the Carnegie Classification system, said research matters now more than ever.
“Research is one of the pillars of American higher education,” he said. “It’s crucial to see how institutions like HWS are expanding student impact through science.”
The new classification also reflects HWS’ strong record of student outcomes and research achievements in recent years.
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