The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), which is the state's largest employer when combined with its health system, has received a national Honor Roll distinction from the Great Colleges to Work For program for the first time. This recognition highlights the institution's commitment to employee satisfaction and a positive workplace environment.
The award is based on a comprehensive evaluation process that includes direct feedback from thousands of faculty and staff members. The results position UAB among a select group of institutions recognized for excellence across multiple workplace categories.
Key Takeaways
- For the first time, UAB has been named to the Honor Roll of the Great Colleges to Work For program.
- The distinction is based on a survey of over 5,000 UAB faculty and staff members.
- UAB was recognized for high performance in six specific categories, including job satisfaction, benefits, and well-being.
- The university is the largest employer in the state of Alabama.
A New Level of National Recognition
While UAB has been recognized by the Great Colleges to Work For program in previous years, including 2023 and 2025, this is the first time it has achieved the prestigious Honor Roll status. This higher-tier distinction indicates exceptional performance across a range of workplace metrics.
Janet May, UAB's Chief Human Resource Officer, commented on the achievement in a recent announcement. She noted the significance of this inaugural Honor Roll placement.
"This is the first time we have also been named among the institutions setting the bar nationally on the Honor Roll," May stated. "We are proud our ongoing commitment to improvement continues to enhance the work experience for our faculty and staff."
The Honor Roll designation is reserved for institutions that demonstrate a deep commitment to creating a supportive and engaging work environment. It reflects a culture that values employee input and actively works to improve workplace conditions.
Based on Extensive Employee Feedback
The selection process for the Great Colleges to Work For program is a detailed, two-part evaluation. It begins with an institutional questionnaire that gathers data on employment policies and workplace practices. This provides a baseline understanding of the university's official procedures and benefits.
The second, and most critical, part of the process is the Campus Engagement Survey. This survey was distributed to all faculty and staff at UAB, ensuring that the results are directly tied to employee experiences.
Survey Participation by the Numbers
- Total Participants: More than 5,000 employees
- Faculty Participation Rate: 48%
- Staff Participation Rate: 57%
This high level of participation ensures the results accurately reflect the sentiments of the UAB community.
The final recognitions are determined primarily by the feedback collected from these surveys. This employee-centric approach means the award is a direct reflection of how staff and faculty feel about their workplace.
Leadership Highlights Collaborative Culture
University leaders attributed the national honor to a campus-wide focus on collaboration and shared values. UAB President Ray Watts emphasized the role of teamwork in achieving this milestone.
"Earning this Honor Roll distinction speaks to our dedication to shared governance, collaboration and continually making UAB an even better workplace," said Watts. "It also reflects the deep sense of pride we have in the great work we’re doing together."
The sentiment was echoed by Janet Woodruff-Borden, UAB’s Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs. She connected the award to the university's core mission.
"A welcoming workplace shapes how we connect with one another and with our mission," Woodruff-Borden explained. "While we know there is always more to do, we are committed to continuing to build a culture where every member of our community — faculty, staff and students — can succeed and thrive."
Six Areas of High Performance
UAB's Honor Roll status was secured by its high performance in six specific categories. These areas cover a broad spectrum of the employee experience, from daily job satisfaction to long-term benefits and professional growth. The recognized categories are:
- Job Satisfaction and Support: Employees feel satisfied with their jobs and supported by the institution.
- Compensation and Benefits: Pay is fair and the benefits package meets the needs of employees.
- Supervisor/Department Chair Support: Managers provide clear expectations and support to their teams.
- Faculty and Staff Well-being: The university prioritizes the mental, physical, and financial health of its employees.
- Shared Governance: Faculty and staff have a meaningful voice in institutional decision-making.
- Faculty Experience: Specific recognition for a positive work environment for academic faculty.
Alabama's Largest Employer
The University of Alabama at Birmingham, combined with the UAB Health System, is the single largest employer in the state of Alabama. This recognition for its workplace culture has a significant impact not only on its thousands of employees but also on the regional economy and community.
Other Alabama College Recognized
UAB was not the only Alabama institution to be featured by the Great Colleges to Work For program. Lurleen B. Wallace Community College, located in Andalusia, was also recognized for its excellence in the category of Compensation and Benefits.
This shows a broader trend of focus on employee satisfaction within Alabama's higher education sector. Both institutions demonstrate a commitment to providing competitive and supportive environments for their employees.
