Malone University named a 2025 “Great College to Work For” honor roll recipient

The results are based on a survey of 199 colleges and universities. In all, 76 of those institutions achieved “Great College to Work For” recognition for specific best practices and policies. Results are reported for small, medium, and large institutions, with Malone included among the small universities.

Malone was also named to the Great Colleges Honor Roll for the second year in a row, a status granted to only 42 colleges each year who are highlighted most across the recognition categories. This additional designation is awarded to the top 10 four-year colleges and top 4 two-year colleges in each size group that are recognized in the greatest number of categories.

Malone University received honors in five (5) of ten categories this year:

Confidence in Senior Leadership— This recognition category is based on the expressed confidence faculty and staff report in the capabilities and credibility of senior leadership. In the Great Colleges to Work For program, “senior leadership” is defined as the most senior members of the institution (e.g., Malone’s presidential cabinet).

Faculty & Staff Well-being— With roots in work/life balance and wellness models, this recognition category is based on the impact of one’s employment experience on their well-being (e.g., the opportunity to do meaningful work, the support for work/life balance and the experience of a safe working environment).

Job Satisfaction & Support (New to Malone in 2025)— This recognition category reflects satisfaction with job fit, autonomy, and access to resources. A strong sense of job satisfaction is essential to building an engaged workforce, and the statements in this category highlight foundational aspects of the faculty and staff experience (i.e. “I am given the responsibility and freedom to do my job.”)

Mission & Pride— Understanding an institution’s mission and how one’s job impacts that mission are considered primary drivers to faculty/staff engagement. In addition to mission understanding, this category is based on survey items that provide insight into the level of pride in being associated with the institution and the willingness to recommend the institution as an employer.

Supervisor/Department Chair Effectiveness— It is widely regarded that the experience of one’s immediate supervisor is among the most important factors influencing whether an employee is truly engaged. This recognition category is based on the survey items providing insight into critical managerial competencies such as providing clear direction and constructive feedback and ensuring effective communication and equitable treatment.

“While this recognition of Malone is certainly encouraging, what matters most is not the award itself but the daily impact of our faculty and staff as they faithfully serve our students,” said Greg Miller, Ph.D., president. “As we walk alongside students in their journey with Christ, the influence of that work reaches far beyond campus. We are a Christ-centered community shaped by relationships, and that difference is clear!”

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. The primary factor in deciding whether an institution received recognition was the employee feedback. 

“Resilient, courageous, and committed—these are the words that come to mind as I reflect on the institutions recognized in this year’s program,” said Richard K. Boyer, chief culture strategist at ModernThink. “Their leaders inspire others and foster strong communities. They understand that student success is deeply tied to the success of faculty and staff—and their commitment to both never wavers, in good times or in times of challenge.”

The Great Colleges to Work For® program is one of the largest and most respected workplace recognition programs in the country. For more information and to view all current and previously recognized institutions, visit the Great Colleges program website at GreatCollegesProgram.com. ModernThink, a strategic human capital consulting firm, administered the survey and analyzed the results.