Hardin-Simmons Ranked in Top Ten "Great Colleges to Work For"
Administrators "lead through respect and confidence, not control through fear and intimidation," says one employee of Hardin-Simmons University who participated in a national survey of colleges.
Satisfied university employees leads to more student success, more qualified candidates applying for jobs, and less turnover, according to The Chronicle of Higher Education, which conducted the survey.
"Those are just a few of the reasons I am so pleased with the outcome of the study," says Hardin-Simmons president, Dr. Lanny Hall.
The 118-year-old Abilene institution of higher learning has been recognized in recent years as one of America's Best Colleges in a ranking done by U.S. News and World Report. Now the Chronicle of Higher Education has named HSU one of the ten top colleges to work for in America.
According to the publication's website, "The Great Colleges to Work For program recognizes institutions for best practices and policies in 26 categories. Within those categories, colleges are classified based on enrollment."
Nearly 41,000 employees on 247 campuses participated in the survey according to The Chronicle. Employees at universities across the nation were asked questions about health care benefits, leadership, recognition practices, skill development, work environment, and pay.
Hardin-Simmons is cited as superior in 11 of these categories according to The Chronicle's survey, making it one of the "Top Ten" of all the small colleges to work for in the nation.
Hardin-Simmons was cited exemplary in the following categories:
• Perception of and Confidence in Fair Treatment
• Connection to Institution and Pride
• Housing Assistance Programs
• Job Satisfaction
• Respect and Appreciation
• Professional Career-Development Programs
• Supervisor-Department Chair Relationship
• Vacation/Paid Time-off
• Work/Life Balance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Tenure Clarity and Process
HSU falls in the small college category, under 3,000 students, and ranks in the top ten with colleges like University of the Ozarks, Saint Michael's College, and Furman University.
The Chronicle of Higher Education says schools which rank high in the survey are able to boost recruitment and retention of the best faculty, administrators, and staff. Also schools which do well receive more qualified job applications for open positions; experience a lower rate of turnover; enjoy higher levels of student satisfaction; and foster innovation, creativity, and risk taking.
Although the questionnaire was done in complete anonymity, the university can request statements made by employees who took the online survey. The Chronicle says knowing what employees think can help an institution better understand its competitive edge.
The survey was given to a random sampling of 400 to 600 employees at each of the participating universities. At smaller schools, where there are fewer employees, everyone is given the opportunity to rate the college.
Dr. Hall says, "This recognition speaks volumes about our faculty and staff. They are dedicated to their profession and believe in their institution. Our committed faculty and staff represent one of HSU's greatest distinctives."
Universities who do well in the survey are given the rights to the "Great Colleges to Work For" logo. Schools are also given detailed results so they can actively improve in areas where they fall short and use their strengths in the best possible ways.
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