Seton Hall University announced on Apr. 16 that it has retained its Carnegie Classification R2 status, indicating high research activity and doctoral production, as well as its recognition as an “Opportunity Colleges and Universities” institution under the Student Access and Earnings Classification.
The continued R2 designation is significant for Seton Hall because it demonstrates the university’s ongoing commitment to both research excellence and student access. This classification allows Seton Hall to compete more effectively for grants, attract accomplished faculty, expand programs that address community needs, and support a diverse range of students while maintaining a focus on mentorship.
John Buschman, dean of University Libraries and associate provost for Research and Innovation, said: “Sustaining R2 alongside the Opportunity designation is meaningful; it affirms both the strength of the scholarship happening at Seton Hall and the kind of institution we are called to be. It tells us that we are building serious research capacity while staying true to our commitment to students. It also places Seton Hall in conversation with peer institutions whose academic seriousness we deeply respect.”
Buschman credited increased support from the Office of Grants and Research Services (OGRS) for helping faculty secure funding through expanded services, improved proposal development processes, enhanced training, compliance efforts, streamlined administrative systems like Cayuse, and closer collaboration with other university offices. Since he began his role in January 2021, grant applications at Seton Hall have tripled—a result he attributes to institutional teamwork involving Interim Provost Erik Lillquist and former Provost Katia Passerini.
The university has also worked to increase visibility around its research activities by encouraging storytelling about faculty scholarship across campus. “There is always excellent work happening across Seton Hall, but too often it remains buried within academia,” Buschman said. He emphasized efforts by OGRS Graduate Assistants in partnership with University Libraries to highlight these achievements so they receive proper recognition.
With new Carnegie seals now displayed throughout campus communications channels—including program pages and enrollment materials—Seton Hall aims to present a unified identity focused on rigorous scholarship balanced by mission-driven teaching. The university’s leadership says this reflects an ongoing effort where discovery serves broader goals related to access, opportunity expansion, care-driven leadership development—and ultimately aligns academic strength with service.
