When exploring what sets top-ranking universities apart from the rest, many factors come to mind: research impact, global collaborations, student outcomes, and innovation. But if we peel back the layers, a powerful, consistent force emerges—exceptional faculty.
In fact, the quality of faculty is one of the most influential factors in determining a university’s global standing. From academic reputation to research citations, from teaching quality to graduate success, faculty shape every pillar of what ranking agencies evaluate.
In this article, we explore the top qualities of faculty members that contribute directly to elevating a university’s position in global rankings—and why universities around the world are investing heavily in faculty development as a long-term strategy.
Why Faculty Quality Matters in Rankings
Global ranking systems like QS World University Rankings, Times Higher Education (THE), and Shanghai Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) all rely heavily on metrics that are either directly or indirectly linked to faculty performance, including:
- Academic reputation (peer reviews)
- Research output and citations
- Student-faculty ratio
- International collaboration
- Industry income and innovation
- Teaching reputation and outcomes
Faculty are the lifeblood of a university’s intellectual, cultural, and global contributions. The better the faculty, the better the institutional performance across these benchmarks.
1. Strong Research Productivity and Citations
A university's place in most rankings is significantly affected by the volume and impact of its faculty’s research. This includes:
- Peer-reviewed publications
- Books and academic contributions
- Conference papers and proceedings
- Citations by other researchers
High research productivity and citation metrics not only enhance the university’s research reputation, but also its influence in global academia. Institutions like Harvard, Oxford, and MIT consistently rank high because their faculty produce cutting-edge, widely cited research.
Key Traits: Intellectual rigor, research-driven mindset, strong publishing history, commitment to innovation.
2. Global Recognition and Academic Reputation
Rankings such as QS rely heavily on academic peer review surveys, which assess how well-regarded a university’s faculty are among academics worldwide. Faculty with strong global recognition uplift the university’s brand and open doors for international partnerships and collaborative projects.
Universities with Nobel laureates, award-winning researchers, and globally respected professors often dominate the top spots. These figures serve as thought leaders, reinforcing the institution's place on the global academic stage.
Key Traits: Thought leadership, international presence, academic network building, public intellectual roles.
3. Excellence in Teaching and Pedagogy
While research dominates in some rankings, others—such as THE’s Teaching pillar—place significant weight on teaching quality. Effective faculty are not only researchers but also exceptional educators who inspire learning, adapt to diverse student needs, and integrate modern teaching methods.
The ability to:
- Engage students actively
- Use technology in teaching
- Create inclusive classroom environments
- Bridge theory and practice
can have a lasting impact on student success and satisfaction, boosting metrics like retention, graduation, and employer perception.
Key Traits: Communication skills, empathy, pedagogical innovation, student-centered approach.
4. Industry and Innovation Engagement
Many ranking systems now include “industry income” or knowledge transfer as a metric, reflecting how well universities convert academic research into real-world solutions. Faculty who engage with industry through consultancy, patents, product development, or joint projects drive this growth.
Such collaborations benefit students with internships, practical learning, and entrepreneurship opportunities—leading to stronger employability scores, another ranking driver.
Key Traits: Entrepreneurial spirit, applied research orientation, industry connections, patent output.
5. Interdisciplinary and Collaborative Mindset
The academic world is increasingly interconnected. Faculty who can collaborate across disciplines, cultures, and borders are instrumental in building globally competitive institutions.
Top-ranked universities value professors who:
- Engage in cross-departmental research
- Lead international research consortiums
- Teach across academic boundaries
- Co-author publications with global peers
Key Traits: Flexibility, openness to collaboration, cultural intelligence, multilingualism (in some cases).
6. Mentorship and Student Development
Great faculty members go beyond instruction—they mentor, advise, and guide students throughout their academic journey. Whether supervising PhD research or helping undergraduates navigate career choices, these faculty members help students realize their potential.
Their mentorship leads to strong alumni networks, higher student satisfaction, and higher postgraduate success rates, all of which enhance the university’s profile.
Key Traits: Patience, dedication, accessibility, long-term commitment to student growth.
7. Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
Universities ranked for their social impact and global outlook value faculty who actively promote diversity and inclusion. Faculty who prioritize equity in their classrooms and research attract a wider pool of students and improve campus culture.
Additionally, rankings like THE Impact Rankings now evaluate universities based on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—many of which rely on the values faculty instill in their students.
Key Traits: Cultural sensitivity, ethical responsibility, advocacy for marginalized voices, inclusive pedagogy.
8. Continuous Learning and Adaptability
With technological advancements and shifting educational landscapes, top faculty never stop learning. Those who upskill regularly, stay current with teaching tech, and integrate AI, data tools, and online methods into their work help universities stay ahead.
This adaptability became even more critical post-COVID, as hybrid learning, online platforms, and digital assessments reshaped academia.
Key Traits: Lifelong learning attitude, tech-savviness, adaptability, openness to change.
How Universities Can Attract and Retain Top Faculty
To consistently rank among the best, institutions must go beyond hiring qualified candidates—they must invest in faculty development, retention, and well-being. This includes:
- Competitive salaries and research funding
- Opportunities for sabbaticals and conferences
- Teaching innovation grants
- Recognition and awards for faculty achievements
- Clear pathways for career growth
Top-ranking universities like ETH Zurich, University of Toronto, and Tsinghua University all have robust strategies to attract and retain exceptional faculty, understanding that faculty quality is directly tied to institutional prestige.
Conclusion
The path to becoming a top-ranking university is complex, but at its core lies a simple truth: faculty excellence drives everything. From research and teaching to innovation and impact, it is the professors, researchers, and mentors who shape the university’s direction—and its destiny.
As global rankings continue to evolve, institutions that recognize, reward, and invest in outstanding faculty will not only climb higher—they will redefine what higher education excellence looks like for the generations to come.
