Contact: Checky Herrington

STARKVILLE, Miss.— For the second year in a row, Mississippi State University has earned recognition as a “Great College to Work For” from The Chronicle of Higher Education for receiving top ratings from employees on workforce practices and policies.

The results, released today [July 17] in The Chronicle’s 10th annual report on the Academic Workplace, are based on a survey of 232 colleges and universities. Only 79 program applicants achieved “Great College to Work For” recognition. Results are reported for small, medium and large institutions, with Mississippi State included among large universities with 10,000 or more students.

Mississippi State earned honors in seven categories: collaborative governance; confidence in senior leadership; facilities, workspace and security; job satisfaction; professional/career development programs; respect and appreciation; and supervisor/department chair relationship. The university also was named to The Chronicle’s honor roll, a distinction for institutions that are cited most often across all recognition categories.

“Receiving this recognition once again validates the work we’re doing to set Mississippi State apart as a place where people are driven to make a difference,” said MSU President Mark E. Keenum. “We’re creating an environment that gives everyone an opportunity to dream big and set a bold course into the future ― and our faculty, administrators and staff are leading the way.”

Launched in 2007, The Chronicle’s “Great Colleges to Work For” survey is one of the largest and most respected workplace recognition programs in the country. The program is the mark for colleges or universities that strive to provide a high-quality workplace experience with competitive policies and benefits for faculty and staff.

“Any college or university that’s on the list is showing that they emphasize one of their most valuable assets: their faculty and staff,” said Liz McMillen, editor of The Chronicle.

Survey results combine a two-part assessment process: an institutional audit that captures demographics and workplace policies and a survey administered to faculty, administrators and professional support staff. Employee feedback is the primary factor in determining whether an institution receives recognition.

In addition to being a top-ranked employer, Mississippi State continues to uphold its standing as a premier research institution. MSU is among the National Science Foundation’s Top 100 research universities, and ranks in the Top 10 nationally in agriculture-related research, a position it has held for nearly two decades.

Further setting MSU apart is its commitment to strengthen global food security and eliminate starvation in developing countries, its designation as the FAA's Unmanned Aircraft Systems Center of Excellence, and its pursuit of solutions for health-related issues such as pandemic flu, sickle-cell anemia and chronic lung diseases.

From protecting aircraft from lightning strikes to designing an all-electric Navy ship to strengthening Mississippi’s teacher workforce, MSU leaders are thinking beyond boundaries to build a better future.

“There's never been a more exciting time to be a part of the Mississippi State family,” said Keenum. “We’re experiencing an unprecedented wave of momentum by setting new records for enrollment, academic honors, research grants, fundraising and many other areas that are critical to the university’s continued growth and success. Being a great place to work is yet another category in which Mississippi State is proud to lead.”

The Chronicle of Higher Education is a leading source for news, jobs, and information for college and university administrators and faculty. To view all results of the “Great Colleges to Work For” survey, visit http://www.chronicle.com/interactives/greatcolleges17?cid=wcontentgrid_6_1b .

MSU is Mississippi’s leading university, available online at www.msstate.edu.