JACKSON, Tenn. — Union University moved up one spot to 12th among regional universities in the South,

That is according to the annual rankings of colleges and universities for 2014 by U.S.News & World Report

It’s the fifth straight year for Union to be ranked in the top 15 schools in its category and the highest ranking ever for the university. This year also marks the 18th straight year for Union to be categorized as one of the South’s best universities.

“We are grateful for the recognition by U.S.News & World Report,” said Union University President Samuel “Dub” Oliver.

President Oliver told WNWS “To be viewed by others so positively is a reflection of the incredible faculty and staff who live out their calling as educators to provide the very best educational experience for our students.

According to a news release ” For the seventh straight year, Union was selected as one of 23 “A-Plus Schools for B Students” in the South, a category that highlights those colleges “where non-superstars have a decent shot at being accepted and thriving—where spirit and hard work could make all the difference to admissions.”

In addition, Union’s freshman retention rate of 91 percent was tied with James Madison University for tops among regional universities in the South.