OXFORD, Miss. – The University of Mississippi continues to build on its list of achievements, receiving recognition in The Chronicle of Higher Education’s “2016 Great Colleges to Work For” Honor Roll.
In acknowledging this latest honor, Chancellor Jeffrey Vitter noted this distinction is a reflection of the welcoming and supportive atmosphere that faculty and staff find on all campuses of the UM system.
“It is a combination of respecting each other and respecting our spaces that creates an exceptional work environment,” Vitter said. “Respect is at the heart of the UM Creed and is the foundation upon which the University of Mississippi excels in so many areas in our workplace.”
This is the eighth consecutive year Ole Miss has been recognized, along with 92 others, in the category of large four-year public institutions with enrollments of 10,000 or more. Ole Miss shares the “Honor Roll” title with only 41 other universities in the nation across all categories.
“The University of Mississippi is extremely honored to once again be recognized by The Chronicle of Higher Education as a great place to work,” said Clay Jones, assistant vice chancellor and director of human resources.
“We are especially excited this year to be back on the honor roll, which is reserved for the top schools honored. We are indebted to our employees who help make this a great place to work, and this is especially obvious in some of the categories we were selected for this year.”
Jones added he is especially thrilled for the university to be recognized for professional/career development, diversity, collaborative governance, and respect and appreciation.
“We believe this overall recognition is symbolic of our continued commitment to our Creed and care that we have for others,” he said.
According to The Chronicle of Higher Education, Ole Miss has achieved excellence in eight of 12 categories, including collaborative governance, confidence in senior leadership, diversity, facilities, work space and security, job satisfaction, professional/career development programs, respect and appreciation, and supervisor/department chair relationship.
Another Human Resources administrator said she is particularly excited to see Ole Miss receive recognition in the professional/career development programs category.
“The university provides opportunities and encourages personal and professional growth through our further education program and potential salary increases for the receipt of applicable certificates, licenses and degrees,” said Andrea Jekabsons, assistant director of employment, professional development and engagement. “In addition, our team developed a multilevel professional development series, LEAD, and it is rewarding to see the program taking hold and having an impact on our employees’ satisfaction.”
The results are based on an analysis of 281 colleges and universities that includes a two-part assessment: an institutional audit capturing demographics and policies in the workplace and a survey administered to faculty, staff and administrators.
“Nine years in, The Chronicle’s Great Colleges to Work For program is well-known as a mark of a college or university that puts thought and effort into serving the needs of its faculty and staff,” said Liz McMillen, the publication’s editor. “The colleges and universities that make the list are highly rated by their employees for creating great working environments, an important achievement that helps them recruit top academic and administrative talent.”