ASU President Michael Crow was named one of Time magazine’s “10 Best College Presidents” Wednesday for his drive to create a diverse and advanced New American University.

Time cited Crow’s accomplishments as doubling the University’s annual research spending, bringing in more National Merit Scholars than ever and carving ASU’s name into national college ranking lists.

But it was Crow’s eye on access that set him — and ASU — apart from other institution heads, according to Time’s article.

Since Crow’s tenure began in 2002, the number of both low-income and minority students enrolled at the University has been on the rise.

In an e-mail, Crow said ASU has a true public accessibility not found at other universities.

“We admit a broad demographic to a world-class educational enterprise,” he said. “Few institutions are able to do this.”

He credits the University’s reputation for innovation to the dedication of the ASU community.

“We have a very creative faculty and a community where innovation is an accepted form of behavior,” he said. “ASU stands out as a university committed to the true public university mission, and I am happy to be the quarterback.”

Crow was ranked third in the list’s “Nine Presidents to Watch.”

Ranking above Crow were New York University President John Sexton and University of Michigan President Mary Sue Coleman.

Ohio State University’s E. Gordon Gee was named the top college leader in the U.S.