JERSEY CITY, NJ. September 23, 2024 (Biz Republic) — A great workforce plays a significant role in distinguishing one college from another. Faculty and staff set the standard of quality for creating a culture of student success; advancing diversity, equity and inclusion; promoting professional growth; and maintaining an environment where everyone is heard, valued, and respected.
For the third year in a row, Hudson County Community College (HCCC) was chosen as a 2024 Great College to Work For® by ModernThink LLC. HCCC was selected as one of only 75 colleges and universities, and one of only 22 community colleges to achieve “Great College to Work For®” recognition in acknowledgment of the College’s best practices, policies, and positive employee survey ratings. The College was recognized for excellence in Job Satisfaction and Support, Professional Development, Faculty and Staff Well-being, Shared Governance, Faculty Experience, and Diversity, Equity and Belonging. This was the second consecutive year in which HCCC earned Great Colleges Honor Roll designation, which was granted to just four two-year colleges nationwide that were most often recognized by their employees in each category.
ModernThink LLC uses a two-part assessment process: an institutional questionnaire that captures employment data and workplace policies, and a survey administered to faculty, administrators, and professional support staff.
“Our commitment to our students begins with our dedication to our entire HCCC family,” said HCCC President Dr. Christopher Reber. “Investing in the professional growth of our colleagues helped us build an effective workforce that is centered on student achievement. The fact that employee feedback was the primary factor in earning this honor makes it even more special.”
When he began his presidency in 2018, Dr. Reber focused on climate, culture, and community, addressing morale, salaries, and mutually respectful relationships among all employees. He instituted monthly Town Hall Meetings for faculty, staff, and students to stay informed and communicate with each other, and helped establish collaborative relationships with all four of the College’s collective bargaining units.
HCCC nurtures internal and external collaborations, partnerships, and alliances to foster transparency and achievement. The President’s Advisory Council on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (PACDEI) develops and maintains DEI infrastructure including guidelines for best practices in recruitment, hiring, succession planning, safety and professional development. HCCC faculty and staff participate in a tuition-reimbursement program, have access to a wide range of professional development opportunities including workshops, academic and certificate programs, and programs of inclusion and belonging. This past year, employees received a collective $500,000 of College funding for their professional development.
“We are dedicated to providing employees and students with life-transforming opportunities and resources in a culture of care and respect. Proudly, about 40% of our employees are HCCC alumni, underscoring the fact that Hudson is Home,” Dr. Reber said.