University earns ‘Great College to Work For’ status for seventh consecutive year
For the seventh consecutive year, Mississippi State University has reaffirmed its national status as a top campus workplace in the Great Colleges to Work For recognition program.
The latest results released last Monday [Sept. 12] in a special insert of The Chronicle of Higher Education are based on positive feedback from faculty and staff. Out of 212 colleges and universities surveyed, only 46 applicants representing four-year institutions achieved Great Colleges to Work For status. Results are reported for small, medium and large institutions, with Mississippi State included among large universities with 10,000 or more students.
“Employees are the driving force behind Mississippi State’s ability to provide a world-class collegiate experience for students that prepares them for rewarding futures,” said MSU President Mark E. Keenum. “It’s not only a great honor to be recognized as a great place to work, but also an opportunity to highlight faculty, administrators and professional support staff who embody Mississippi State’s commitment to teaching, research and service.”
Also, for the seventh consecutive year, MSU was named to the Great Colleges Honor Roll, which recognizes colleges that achieve outstanding results in multiple recognition categories. This year, MSU received top rankings in six of 10 categories: job satisfaction and support; professional development; faculty and staff well-being; supervisor/department chair effectiveness; diversity, inclusion and belonging; and mission and pride.
The Great Colleges to Work For program is one of the largest and most respected workplace recognition programs in the country. Now in its 15th year, it recognizes colleges that get top ratings from employees regarding workplace practices and policies.
Survey results are based on a two-part assessment process -- an institution questionnaire that captures employment data and workplace policies, and a survey administered to faculty, administrators and professional support staff. ModernThink, a strategic human capital consulting firm, administers the survey and analyzes results.
“After 15 years of conducting The Great Colleges to Work For program, we have keen insight into many of the factors and dynamics that contribute to a truly engaged workforce... a compelling vision, inspiring leadership, and a strong sense of community,” said Richard K. Boyer, principal and managing partner at ModernThink. “This year’s recognized institutions add to that list, demonstrating a tenacious commitment to doing right by their employees and modeling resiliency in a time of continued uncertainty and unforeseen challenges.”
The final survey instrument was developed by a panel comprising representatives of two- and four-year institutions with expertise in research, diversity, administration and other areas.
Mississippi State places great value on being an employer of choice and aims to provide an empowering workplace environment that focuses year-round on growth, advancement and recognition. The university also offers programs designed to support employees with varied interests and training needs.
“We appreciate the time that employees invested in participating in the Great Colleges to Work For survey,” Keenum said. “Every year, their feedback provides new insights into our workplace culture and the role it plays in improving all aspects of the Mississippi State experience.”
MSU is Mississippi’s leading university, available online at www.msstate.edu.
Checky Herrington | Public Affairs
