Lee University is one of the best colleges in the nation to work for, according to a new survey by The Chronicle of Higher Education.

The results, released in The Chronicle’s fifth annual report on The Academic Workplace, are based on a survey of more than 46,000 employees at 294 colleges and universities.

“Employee satisfaction is a vital sign of overall institutional health, and as such, we are pleased to see these results from the leading publication in higher ed,” said Lee Vice President for University Relations Jerome Hammond.

In all, only 103 of the 294 institutions achieved “Great College to Work For” recognition. Not only was Lee named to this list, but was also one of only 42 named a 2012 Honor Roll school, having been rated highly in more than four categories.

“It’s quite affirming when a national survey validates what we have believed all along — that Lee University is one of the best colleges in America for its employees,” said Lee President Paul Conn. “We are very happy to receive this honor, and to be the only private school in Tennessee to be on the national honor roll is especially gratifying.”

Lee earned exceptional ratings in ten out of twelve total categories:

•    Collaborative Governance
•    Confidence in Senior Leadership
•    Facilities, Workspace & Security
•    Job Satisfaction
•    Professional/Career-Development Programs
•    Respect and Appreciation
•    Supervisor or Department Chair Relationship
•    Teaching Environment
•    Tenure Clarity and Process
•    Work/Life Balance

“The Chronicle’s reporting shows that more colleges and universities are seeking ways to improve their workplaces. The ‘formula for success’ continues to evolve, yet there are certain common features among institutions that achieve significant levels of worker satisfaction. The Great Colleges to Work For program allows our readers to learn about the colleges that seem to be getting it right. Great Colleges is more than a ‘marketing’ opportunity for colleges — it is an authentic example of accomplishment.” Liz McMillen, editor, The Chronicle of Higher Education

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 professional support staff. The primary factor in deciding whether an institution received recognition was the 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. For more information and to view all the results of the survey, visit The Chronicle’s Web site at http://chronicle.com/academicworkplace.