It is easy for Harvard donut lovers to appreciate the convenience of the Bow Street Dunkin’ Donuts.

But despite the geographic proximity of some of its locations, Dunkin’ Donuts has put some distance between itself and Harvard in a recent survey gauging the reputation of various Massachusetts companies and institutions.

The survey, released on Friday by the Boston-area public relations firm Morrissey & Company, saw Harvard fall to seventh overall from its first place position last year. Nearby collegiate rivals Boston University and Tufts took fourth and fifth, respectively, while Dunkin’ Donuts vaulted into the second spot. The top position in the survey was occupied by Brigham and Women’s Hospital—a Harvard affiliate.

Prior to 2006, Harvard ranked first in the three previous administrations of the survey.

Peter Morrissey, founder of the company that conducted the survey, said Harvard’s fall in the rankings is worth noting.

“To go from the top of the ratings… down to where you were this year—our researchers did tell us that that was significant,” Morrissey said. “You wouldn’t describe that as a statistical anomaly.”

According to a Morrissey & Co. press release, the survey was administered to 200 local business leaders and asked for assessments of 74 Boston area companies and institutions in areas ranging from “reputation” to “ethics” to “financial stability.” This was the first year that Dunkin’ Donuts was on the list of institutions assessed. Organizations on the list are selected for the poll based on employment figures in Massachusetts.

Harvard’s fall this year, according to Morrissey & Co.’s press release, is likely due to the charged circumstances surrounding the departure of former University President Lawrence H. Summers as well as wrangling over labor issues. Still, some Dunkin’ Donuts patrons seemed a bit confused by the survey’s results.

“They sell, like, donuts,” said a skeptical Tess Raih, referring to the Dunkin’ Donuts store behind her while licking a recently purchased Dunkin’ Donuts ice cream cone. “Harvard is like the best college in the country.”

Raih was not alone in her sentiments. As he entered the Bow Street shop yesterday afternoon, Dan Smith ’83 had his own thoughts to offer on the donut franchise’s superior reputation.

“I think Harvard has probably contributed more to society, and donuts really aren’t that good for you anyway.’

Even the donut-loving Kathryn G. Maxson ’10 did not appear to be particularly pleased with the donut vender’s success in the Morrissey poll.

“As far as the longevity of the institution is concerned, I certainly respect Harvard more than Dunkin’ Donuts being that Harvard is an educational institution and Dunkin’ Donuts is a fast food agency,” Maxson said. “And I think it is a sad statement on American values if Dunkin’ Donuts is ranked higher.”

Maxson may not have to be sad for very long. The poll is conducted annually, and Morrissey was quick to recognize the possibility for a Crimson comeback.

“Harvard certainly has a great reputation and this is probably an episodic thing,” he said. “Good brands—brands like Harvard—are very powerful so it would not be at all extraordinary if Harvard was back at the top a year from now.”

—Staff writer Christian B. Flow can be reached at cflow@fas.harvard.edu.