McPherson College is a great place to learn, but it’s also a great place to work.
MC’s employees have known this, but now a national publication, the “Chronicle of Higher Education,” has recognized that McPherson College is a “2015 Great College to Work For.” McPherson College is the only institution in Kansas to receive the honor this year.
The results of a new survey by the Chronicle were released today in the publication’s eighth annual report on The Academic Workplace. McPherson College won honors in four categories for 2015:
- Job Satisfaction
- Professional/Career Development Programs
- Supervisor/Department Chair Relationship
- Work/Life Balance
Michael Schneider, president of McPherson College, said he works for MC because it values the lifestyle of college employees and that he feels fortunate to serve with great people in the McPherson College community.
“McPherson College is more than just a place to work; it is a community dedicated to a common mission,” Schneider said. “We seek to develop whole persons through scholarship, participation, and service. Our community shares a lifestyle that supports the raising of families and nurturing of friendships – all while educating the next generation of leaders.”
Among some of the benefits afforded to MC employees that make it such a great place to work include: generous vacation and sick time benefits; a 10 percent institutional retirement contribution; an “opportunity fund” for college employees to pursue new ideas to improve MC; a sabbatical program for faculty to take “time off” from teaching courses for professional development; opportunities for open feedback and critique to college leadership; possibilities for flexible work scheduling; a robust employee assistance program and other employee benefits; and close cooperation between college administration and college departments in planning and direction.
Dr. Kim Stanley, faculty chair at MC and professor of English and communication, said she appreciated that the employees of McPherson College focus on students.
“People here speak of students with respect and affection,” Dr. Stanley said. “When a student has a problem, we work together to solve it. When a student has a success, we all brag about it and feel good.”
The Chronicle is the nation’s most respected source of news about colleges and universities.
“The institutions that the Great Colleges program recognizes provide innovative educational experiences – while also offering their employees outstanding workplace experiences – and we are eager to help readers learn more about them,” said Liz McMillen, The Chronicle’s editor.
The 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 staff. The primary factor in deciding whether an institution received recognition was employee feedback. 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.
