The university is one of 86 colleges and universities recognized by The Chronicle of Higher Education.
For the second consecutive year, Texas Tech University has been recognized as one of the nation's 2015 Great Colleges to Work For® by The Chronicle of Higher Education, the No. 1 professional source for news, jobs and information for college and university administrators and faculty. Texas Tech is one of 86 colleges and universities selected for the recognition.
“I am so proud of the faculty and staff for their efforts that made this designation possible,” Texas Tech President M. Duane Nellis said. “Texas Tech is such a closely-knit university, and our faculty and staff are a big part of that. They are all dedicated to one another and our students, and I commend everyone's efforts for making Texas Tech a great institution to work for.”
The Chronicle's 2015 Great Colleges to Work For® program is one of the largest and most respected workplace recognition programs in the country. Now in its eighth year, The Chronicle recognizes the colleges and universities that get top ratings from employees on workforce practices and policies.
To select the prestigious Great Colleges to Work For® list, The Chronicle, in conjunction with ModernThink LLC, surveys hundreds of thousands of employees nationwide. It is a two-part assessment process with a survey administered to faculty, administrators and professional support staff followed by an institutional audit to capture demographics and workplace policies and practices from each institution that participates.
To be deemed a Great College to Work For®, colleges and universities must excel in at least one of 12 categories:
- Collaborative governance
- Confidence in senior leadership
- Supervisor or department chair
- Relationship
- Professional/career development programs
- Teaching environment
- Tenure clarity and process
- Diversity
- Facilities, workspace and security
- Work/life balance
- Compensation and benefits
- Job satisfaction
- Respect and appreciation
Liz McMillen, editor for The Chronicle, said the Great Colleges to Work For® program shows how participating colleges and universities are getting things right.
“They're leaders in creating environments where smart people enjoy their work,” she said. “The faculty and staff who make up our readership want to know which institutions are Great Colleges to Work For® because many of them are either seeking to improve their own campus or are looking for that next great career opportunity.
“The selection process is rigorous and being named to the list is a tremendous accomplishment, but it also positions colleges and universities well to recruit people who make them a success.”
This year 281 institutions throughout the United States participated, including 185 four-year institutions and 96 two-year institutions. Last year only 278 institutions participated.
After the data was gathered, Texas Tech excelled in the job satisfaction and professional/career development programs categories. According to the surveys, faculty members say their job is meaningful to themselves and the college, and they have opportunities to develop their skills and understand the requirements needed for career advancement.
“This designation is such a great way to recognize all of our exceptional faculty and staff for their excellence,” said Jodie Billingsley, assistant vice president for Texas Tech's Human Resources and Payroll Services. “Receiving additional recognition in the areas of job satisfaction and professional/career development programs supports the university's commitment for ensuring we have a professional and supportive work environment.”
