Auburn University has reached another milestone after being elevated to an “R1” institution by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.

Among the 120 institutions to receive the R1 designation Monday, Auburn was listed in the top 100 of such universities. An R1 designation by Carnegie is reserved for doctoral universities with the highest levels of research activity.

Auburn previously held a “high research” R2 classification before transitioning to the “very high research activity” R1 label.

Auburn has worked tirelessly in its commitment to elevating its dedication to life-saving research. In December 2017, Auburn President Steven Leath announced the commitment and subsequent awarding of $5 million for three years toward the Presidential Awards for Interdisciplinary Research, also known as PAIR.

Leath shared his excitement over the latest designation and affirmed Auburn’s dedication to improving the lives of others.

“This tremendous designation acknowledges the hard work involved in the pioneering discoveries happening at Auburn every day,” said Leath, who was recently appointed by President Trump to the National Science Board, in a news release. “We are grateful to the university’s faculty and staff, especially Graduate School Dean George Flowers, for their unwavering commitment to elevating Auburn’s profile as a world-class academic institution.”

Leath added, “Auburn is on the move, and this prestigious distinction recognizes Auburn’s critical role in creating new knowledge and helping others live better lives.”

In order to be considered for the R1 designation, universities must have awarded at least 20 research/scholarship doctoral degrees and had at least $5 million in total research expenditures.

Kyle Morris also contributes daily to Breitbart News. You can follow him on Twitter @RealKyleMorris.