The University of Northern Colorado (UNC) has been named an R2 institution based on the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education’s criteria. The designation, announced on Feb. 13 as part of Carnegie’s 2025 Research Activity Designations, places UNC among the nation’s colleges and universities with “high research activity” and exemplifies a commitment to critical inquiry, discovery and creation. 

"UNC’s designation as an R2 institution is recognition of the intellectual contributions by the faculty, student and staff researchers whose work is addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing our state and beyond."

UNC President Andy Feinstein

A strong focus on research, scholarship and creative works (RSCW) has been integral to the university’s strategic plan, Rowing, Not Drifting 2030, particularly as reflected in the prioritization of innovation and creation as a core component of the institution's vision for the future.

The plan was launched by UNC President Andy Feinstein in 2020 and articulated his dedication to establishing a robust infrastructure to support RSCW. Over the past four and a half years, the university has invested in RSCW and renewed its focus on achieving the R2 classification.  

Feinstein said the designation not only recognizes the institution's activity and impact as a research university, but it is also evidence of the significant progress the university community is collectively making toward achieving its strategic priorities.  

“I am proud of our achievement,” said Feinstein. "UNC’s designation as an R2 institution is recognition of the intellectual contributions by the faculty, student and staff researchers whose work is addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing our state and beyond.”  

To qualify for the R2 designation, institutions must award at least 20 doctoral research degrees and have at least $5 million in total research expenditures on average in a single year. In fiscal year 2023, the most recent year Carnegie reviewed, UNC awarded 113 research doctorates and reported over $9 million in research expenditures.

The many examples of research at UNC include Associate Professor of Geography, GIS and Sustainability Jieun Lee’s, Ph.D., receipt of the 2024 NSF ADVANCE Award, the NSF Enabling Partnerships to Increase Innovation Capacity award executed by faculty of the Kenneth W. Monfort College of Business, Biology Professor Steve Mackessy’s, Ph.D., venom research that has been funded by several prestigious national and regional grant agencies over the past three decades, and many more. 

Reviewed every three years, the classifications are determined using spending data from the Higher Education Research and Development (HERD) Survey and doctorate production data reported to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).  

“Maintaining a robust research enterprise creates new knowledge and highlights the expertise of our faculty members,” said Feinstein. “It also enriches the student experience by providing opportunities for collaboration and the pursuit of creativity and discovery.”