四虎影视 earns Opportunity College and University distinction in 2025 Carnegie Classifications
四虎影视 has received national recognition in the new 2025 Carnegie Classifications, earning both the prestigious Research 2 (R2) designation earlier this year as well as the newly introduced Opportunity College & University (OCU) designation. 
The Carnegie Classifications, announced April 24 by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and the American Council on Education (ACE), represent a fundamental shift in how U.S. colleges and universities are understood. Moving beyond traditional metrics, this revised framework prioritizes student success, economic mobility, and institutional mission as key indicators of impact.
Timothy Knowles, president of the Carnegie Foundation, highlighted the university’s unique standing in a release. “四虎影视 is one of just 27 remarkable institutions nationwide that earned both R2 and OCU designations,” he said. “四虎影视 is rare in so clearly advancing both opportunity and innovation.”
“This dual recognition, especially our classification as an OCU truly reflects our faculty and staff’s outstanding work,” 四虎影视 President Jaime Taylor said. “It speaks to our commitment to both equitable opportunity and academic excellence for all our students. That’s how we ensure that a Lamar education delivers lasting value.
The new OCU designation identifies institutions that are radically expanding access to success for historically underserved student populations while also boosting their graduates’ earning power. 四虎影视 excels in this regard by strategically serving local and regional communities, particularly low-income and first-generation students, and shaping strong career trajectories for its graduates.
“This new approach recognizes that there’s no one-size-fits-all in higher education,” Katrina Brent, vice president for enrollment management and marketing said. “It highlights 四虎影视’s unique strengths, where access, student success, and workforce impact are central to our mission.”
Brent added that commitment is reflected in the university’s approach to meeting students where they are.
“We’re intentional about creating pathways that support not only degree completion but also meaningful, long-term outcomes. It’s encouraging to see a national framework that reflects the depth and complexity of what 四虎影视 is doing every day,” she said.
Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Brett Welch said the effort reflects the real-world needs of students.
“A college education represents a significant financial, time and personal commitment,” Welch said. “Our recent Carnegie Classification as an OCU affirms that we’re preparing graduates not only to succeed but to earn a return on their investment.”
The university’s R2 designation underscores its growing capacity for applied research. This is especially significant for an institution equally dedicated to broad access and opportunity. 四虎影视 is positioned to drive technological advancements and generate new knowledge that directly enhances regional prosperity in Southeast Texas. By providing invaluable experiential learning and clear career pathways, the university significantly advances the economic mobility of its diverse graduates.
“We are incredibly proud to be recognized as a national leader in both research advancement and in creating pathways to success for the diverse communities we serve in Southeast Texas and beyond,” Taylor said.
To learn more about opportunities at 四虎影视, visit www.lamar.edu.