SNHU Recognized as a Top Employer in Higher Ed, Leader in Innovation

Manchester, N.H. (September 24, 2024) Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) has recently been recognized as a top employer in higher education and a regional leader in innovation. U.S. News and World Report announced today it ranks SNHU among the top three “Most Innovative” universities in the North. Last week, SNHU was named a “Great College to Work For” for the 17^th consecutive year as part of the Great Colleges to Work For^® program. SNHU is among 75 institutions to be recognized and the only institution to make the list every year since the program began in 2008.

“At SNHU, we are committed to our people who do incredible work every day in service of our learners and are proud to once again be recognized by the Great Colleges to Work For^® program as a top employer in higher education,” said Lisa Marsh Ryerson, President, SNHU. “Employee feedback holds the most weight in these rankings and it’s a testament to our people who take the time to share what is working for them and where they want to see change or improvement. We have implemented several programs in recent years based on employee feedback including more inclusive hiring and pay transparency, new trainings and professional development opportunities, and created space for employee networks to foster social inclusion and sense of belonging.”

As one of the largest employers in the Granite State, SNHU is the only university in New Hampshire to be recognized by the Great Colleges to Work For^® program and the only institution in New England to make Honor Roll this year. This marks the 14th consecutive year SNHU has received the prestigious Honor Roll status, scoring well across multiple categories including Mission & Pride, Confidence in Senior Leadership, and Professional Development.

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.

All full-time SNHU faculty and staff were invited to participate in the survey. Based on the top responses, SNHU employees believe that the University fosters a supportive work environment where everyone has a sense of well-being, offers benefits that meet employee needs, and contributes to the community in a positive way.

ModernThink LLC, a strategic human capital consulting firm that has conducted numerous “Best Places to Work” programs, administered the survey and analyzed this year's results.

“If you’re seeking inspiration, look no further than the 2024 Great Colleges to Work For Honor Roll institutions,” said Richard K. Boyer, Chief Culture Strategist, ModernThink. “Their commitment to the quality of the workplace experience for of their faculty and staff has been steadfast and the spirit of resilience they’ve cultivated brings the members of these institutions together in ways that inspire confidence, community, and optimism.”

The "Most Innovative Schools" category from U.S. News solely relies on a peer assessment survey completed by college presidents, provosts and admission deans - who are asked to nominate institutions "that are making the most innovative improvements in terms of curriculum, faculty, students, campus life, technology or facilities." SNHU has consistently been among the top 3 “Most Innovative" universities in the northeast region every year since the rankings began.

Siobhan Lopez is a former journalist, who is now the director of media relations at Southern New Hampshire University.