Chronicle of Higher Education names North Central a 2015 Great College To Work For

For the fourth time in five years, The Chronicle of Higher Education  has named North Central College a “Great College To Work For.”

North Central College is among just 86 institutions nationwide recognized in The Chronicle’s eighth annual report on The Academic Workplace. The recognition is based on results of surveys of more than 44,000 employees at 281 colleges and universities.

“North Central College tops the list of energized college campus work cultures with its friendly, collaborative, high-energy work environment and spectacular location,” says Troy D. Hammond, North Central College president. “The employment experience for faculty and staff is enhanced by exceptional students eager to learn, grow and prosper, remarkable fine arts offerings, nationally renowned authors and guest lecturers, and exciting Division III athletics.”

For 2015 North Central College is recognized in three categories: Collaborative Governance, which acknowledges that faculty members are actively involved in decisions related to academic programs; Teaching Environment, which recognizes innovative and high-quality teaching; and Tenure Clarity and Process, where respondents said the requirements for tenure were clearly spelled out.

“The institutional culture at the College reflects a faculty that is deeply committed to its primary mission—excellent teaching,” says Abiodun “GP” Goke-Pariola, North Central College’s vice president for academic affairs and dean of faculty. “In addition, shared governance is woven in to the fabric of faculty life. The faculty has a strong institutional perspective and works collaboratively with the administration and the trustees to develop, implement and communicate important initiatives and policies.”

Results are reported for small, medium and large institutions, with North Central College included among small colleges with 2,999 or fewer students. Survey results are based on a two-part assessment process: an institutional audit that captured demographics and workplace policies from each institution, and a survey administered to faculty, administrators and professional support staff. The primary factor in deciding whether an institution received recognition was employee feedback.

“Faculty are honored for North Central to be chosen as a Great College To Work For,” says Stephen Renk, North Central College professor of computer science and coordinator of academic computing and instructional technology. “This is a testament to the quality and hard work of the staff, administration and faculty. We truly are a family that works together for a common goal.”

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.

Great Colleges to Work For is one of the largest and most respected workplace-recognition programs in the country. For more information and to view all the results of the survey, visit The Chronicle’s Web site at chronicle.com. North Central College was previously recognized as a Great College To Work For in 2011, 2012 and 2014.