April 4, 2003 (Atlanta) – The J. Mack Robinson College of Business at Georgia State University's FLEX (part-time) MBA program was ranked fifth nationally for the third consecutive year by U.S. News and World Report in its 2004 survey of the best graduate schools. This marks the eighth consecutive year that the College has been recognized by the magazine's annual survey. The Robinson College is the only business school from the Southeast in the top 10. In addition, two of Robinson's programs moved up in this year's rankings -- Information Systems program (MIS), ranks 10th and Health Services Administration ranks 27th in the nation.  "As one of the nation's largest business schools, Robinson is pleased to be recognized among the nation's elite part-time programs. With part-time programs continuing to grow in prominence and market share this ranking takes on greater significance year after year,",said Dr. Sidney E. Harris, dean of the Robinson College of Business. "Clearly it is an endorsement of the high quality of our programs, faculty and student body."   Harris continued, "We are also pleased to see the progress being made by our Computer Information Systems (CIS) department and that our Institute for Health Administration is being recognized nationally."  The rankings are included in the magazine's annual special edition guidebook titled "Best Graduate Schools." The guidebook and the magazine (April 14 issue) containing excerpts from the guide will be available on newsstands Monday, April 7, the expanded online rankings are currently available at www.usnews.com. The list is based on a reputational survey of deans in accredited business schools and corporate recruiters across the nation. U.S. News first began ranking the nation's graduate schools in 1987. Approximately 1800 students are enrolled in Robinson's FLEX (part-time) MBA program. The College's flexible program allows working professionals to finish their degrees in two to five years. The top 10 list includes: 1. New York University (Stern) 2. University of Chicago 3. Northwestern University (Kellogg) 4. University of California, Los Angeles (Anderson) 5. Georgia State University (Robinson) 6. University of Southern California (Marshall) 7. University of California, Berkeley (Haas) 8. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 9. Depaul University (Kellstadt) 10. University of Minnesota - Twin Cities (Carlson)  The J. Mack Robinson College of Business is one of the nation's top business schools.  The College's Flex (part-time) MBA program has been listed in the top ten by U.S. News for the past eight years.  Business Week magazine ranked the College's Executive MBA program 20th  in the world and Forbes rated Robinson in the top 20 for return on investment for regional schools.  Success Magazine ranks the College's entrepreneurship program among the top 50 in the nation.  Georgia State University's Robinson College of Business has an enrollment of more than 8000 students and is located in downtown Atlanta.  Media Contact: Tammy DeMel J. Mack Robinson College of Business at Georgia State University email: tdemel@gsu.edu  404/413-7078 404-702-9743