Contact: Checky Herrington
STARKVILLE, Miss.—Employees of Mississippi State have spoken—again! For the fifth year in a row, their university is being recognized as a “Great College to Work For” based on positive feedback from faculty and staff.
The latest results were released today [Sept. 14] in a special insert of The Chronicle of Higher Education. Out of 221 colleges and universities surveyed, only 54 applicants representing four-year institutions achieved “Great College 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.
“What a privilege to see our employees in action this year,” said MSU President Mark E. Keenum. “They have responded in these uncertain times with extraordinary focus and professionalism, always prioritizing the needs of their students and upholding MSU’s mission in everything they do. I’m especially grateful to them for providing feedback that will ensure MSU continues to offer a welcoming workplace culture that gives everyone the tools and resources they need to be successful.”
In addition to being named as a “Great College to Work For,” MSU earned Honor Roll status a fifth time for appearing in multiple recognition categories. The university received top rankings in seven of 12 areas: collaborative governance; confidence in senior leadership; facilities, workspace and security; professional/career development programs; respect and appreciation; teaching environment; and tenure clarity and process.
Launched in 2007, the “Great Colleges to Work For” survey is one of the largest and most respected workplace recognition programs in the country for educational institutions that strive to provide a high-quality workplace experience with supportive policies and competitive benefits for faculty and staff.
Employee feedback is the primary factor in determining whether an institution receives recognition. Survey results combine a two-part assessment process: a survey (ModernThink Higher Education Insight Survey©) administered to faculty, administrators, exempt professional and non-exempt staff and a questionnaire that captures employment data and workplace policies and practices from each institution.
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.
“As one of the nation’s leading research universities, our goal is to be an employer of choice for the more than 5,000 faculty and staff members who are part of the Mississippi State family,” said Keenum. “Employees play an essential role in shaping the MSU experience and preparing students for rewarding futures. Earning recognition from them as a ‘Great College to Work For’ for five consecutive years is a tremendous honor—one that we strive to live up to every day.”
For more information and to view complete survey results, visit www.greatcollegesprogram.com.
MSU is Mississippi’s leading university, available online at www.msstate.edu.