This study explores data envelopment analysis (DEA) as a tool for assessing and benchmarking the performance of public research universities. Using of national databases such as those conducted by the National Science Foundation and the National Center for Education Statistics, DEA analysis was conducted of the research and instructional outcomes of public research I universities. The study also presents an in-depth analysis of Ohio State University. Instructional variables considered included: instructional faculty full-time equivalency (FTE), expenditures/FTE student, faculty/student ratio, graduation efficiency, six-year graduation rate, degree completions, and admissions selectivity. Research variables included: total FTE faculty, expenditures/FTE faculty, number of publications, number of citations, government grants/contracts, total grants/contracts received, and availability of medical research centers and hospitals. Sections of the paper discuss: the use of DEA in performance measurement; data envelopment analysis; the study methodology; using DEA with a minimum number of variables; integrative performance analysis of multiple variables; strategic positioning of universities; and policy implications of the study findings. The paper concludes that DEA analysis allows academic leadership to more clearly articulate the resource and productivity requirements associated with institutional improvement and, additionally, to plan the direction and magnitude of necessary changes. (Contains approximately 40 references.) (CH)