For the tenth consecutive year, Mississippi State is being honored as an exemplary employer by the Great Colleges to Work For recognition program.
The latest results released today [Sept. 19] in a special insert of The Chronicle of Higher Education are based on feedback from MSU employees. Out of 199 colleges and universities surveyed, MSU is one of only 54 applicants representing four-year institutions and large institutions that achieved Great Colleges to Work For status. Results are reported for small, medium and large institutions, with MSU included among large universities with 10,000 or more students.
“It is a great honor to once again achieve Great Colleges to Work For status. This recognition reflects the voices of our world-class faculty and staff who contribute to the success of our mission of teaching, research and service every day. They help make Mississippi State University such a special place to build a meaningful career,” MSU President Mark E. Keenum said. “I’m honored to call them colleagues, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to work together with them to prepare our students for success, serve our communities and make Mississippi the best it can be.”
Also, for the 10th consecutive year, MSU was named to the Great Colleges Honor Roll for achieving outstanding recognition in nine of 10 categories, the most for the six Mississippi higher education institutions listed. This year, the university received top scores in job satisfaction and support, compensation and benefits, professional development, mission and pride, supervisor and department chair effectiveness, confidence in senior leadership, faculty and staff well-being, shared governance and faculty experience.
The Great Colleges to Work For program is one of the largest and most respected workplace recognition programs in the country. Now in its 17th year, it recognizes colleges receiving top marks from employees regarding workplace practices and policies.
The survey results are based on a two-part assessment process: an institution questionnaire that captures employment data and workplace policies from each institution, and a survey administered to faculty, administrators and professional support staff. ModernThink, a strategic human capital consulting firm, administers the survey and analyzes results.
In addition to this recognition, the university continues to earn national accolades as a top employer. MSU ranks No. 3 on Forbes’ 2025 list of Best Employers in Mississippi, making it the highest-ranked educational institution in the state. The land-grant institution is also included on Forbes’ America’s Best Large Employers list and has earned a spot among America’s Dream Employers for 2025.