91�鶹�� earns ‘Great College to Work For’ status for 6th consecutive year

Contact: Checky Herrington

STARKVILLE, Miss.— For the sixth consecutive year, 91�鶹�� University has retained its title as one of the nation’s best campus workplaces in the Great Colleges to Work For recognition program.

The latest results released today [Sept. 13] in a special insert of The Chronicle of Higher Education are based on positive feedback from faculty and staff. Out of 196 colleges and universities surveyed, 70 applicants representing four-year institutions achieved Great Colleges to Work For status. Results are reported for small, medium and large institutions, with 91�鶹�� included among large universities with 10,000 or more students.

“It’s a tremendous honor to be recognized for excellence by the very employees who have carried forward 91�鶹��’s legacy as a leading institution of higher learning,” said 91�鶹�� President Mark E. Keenum. “Their talent and dedication have made all the difference in helping students keep their educational journeys on track, especially during one of the most challenging eras in our history, while upholding 91�鶹��’s commitment to teaching, research and service.”

Also, for the sixth consecutive year, 91�鶹�� was named to the Great Colleges Honor Roll, a status granted to colleges that were highlighted in multiple recognition categories. This year, 91�鶹�� received top rankings in seven of 10 categories: job satisfaction and support; professional development; mission and pride; supervisor/department chair effectiveness; confidence in senior leadership; shared governance; and faculty experience.

The Great Colleges to Work For program is one of the largest and most respected workplace recognition programs in the country. Now in its 14th 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, administered the survey and analyzed results.

“It takes courage to lead. And the 2021 Great Colleges to Work For participants demonstrated remarkable courage, commitment and optimism in their decisions to participate in the survey program in the midst of a world-wide pandemic,” said Richard K. Boyer, principal and managing partner at ModernThink. “There’s much to learn from these remarkable institutions and their inspirational leaders.”

This year, the employee survey underwent several changes, including the addition of 11 new survey statements, some of which are related to new survey themes around diversity, inclusion and belonging as well as faculty and staff well-being. New survey demographics related to gender identity and remote work also were included this year.

In accordance with survey changes, recognition categories also were updated to better reflect current patterns and methodologies in employee engagement in higher education.

“We’re always striving to do better in our efforts to create an environment that values the needs and contributions of every individual,” Keenum said. “By participating in the survey, employees have provided valuable insights into their workplace experiences that will be used to build on 91�鶹��’s strengths and identify opportunities for improvement.”

91�鶹�� is Mississippi's leading university, available online at www.msstate.edu.

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