SRU recognized nationally as a “Great College to Work For”

July 17, 2017

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. - Slippery Rock University has once again been selected as one of the nation's "Great Colleges to Work For" by The Chronicle of Higher Education, a top trade publication for colleges and universities. This is the seventh time in eight years SRU has won the distinction.

"It is extraordinarily gratifying to again receive this honor," said Slippery Rock University President Cheryl Norton. "This recognition shows that our culture of being a caring community not only makes a significant impact on our students but also makes our University a great place to work. Our dedicated staff and faculty work every day to advance our institutional goals to help our students succeed academically and to prepare them to make a difference in the community, the region and the world."

The Chronicle's "2017 Great Colleges to Work For" survey is one of the largest and most respected workplace-recognition programs in the country. This year, 232 institutions participated. The Chronicle recognized 79 institutions, including 57 four-year institutions and 22 two-year institutions. Forty-two institutions were named to the "honor roll" as standouts in their size category.

Results are reported for small, medium and large institutions, with SRU included among the medium universities with 3,000 to 9,999 students.

The Great Colleges survey included a two-part assessment process: an institutional audit that captured demographics and workplace policies, and a survey administered to faculty, administrators and professional support staff. The primary factor in deciding whether an institution received recognition was the employee feedback.

"Ten years in, the Great Colleges to Work For distinction is well-known by academic jobseekers as a sign that an institution's employees are valued and given opportunities for growth even when they face financial constraints," said Liz McMillen, editor of The Chronicle. "Any college or university that's on the list is showing that they emphasize one of their most valuable assets: their faculty and staff."

SRU earned special recognition in the "Compensation and Benefits," "Job Satisfaction" and "Professional/Career Development Programs" categories.

"I would like to extend my appreciation to all the University employees that took time to complete the survey," said Lynne Motyl, associate vice president of human resources and diversity. "The University being selected in a variety of categories is not only a point of pride, but a true testament to the sense of belonging that is fostered at this institution."

To administer the survey and analyze the results, The Chronicle worked with ModernThink LLC, a strategic human capital consulting firm that has conducted numerous "Best Places to Work" programs, surveying hundreds of thousands of employees nationwide.

"It's easier to be a great workplace during good times, but it's when times are tough that the commitment to workplace quality really gets tested," said Richard Boyer, principal and managing partner, ModernThink LLC. "And those institutions that measure up during times of economic hardship reinforce their already strong cultures and put even more distance between them and their peer institutions for whom they compete for talent."

MEDIA CONTACT: Robb King | 724.738.2199 | robert.king@sru.edu