For the sixth straight year and eighth time since 2014, Texas Tech University has been recognized as one of the best destinations in the country for employees with its ranking in the 2026 Great Colleges to Work For program, one of the largest and most respected initiatives in the country that measures workplace factors in higher education.
The ranking is based on results of the Great Colleges to Work For survey of faculty and staff at 171 institutions across the U.S., including 105 four-year colleges and universities, according to a news release. Texas Tech is one of 76 institutions to earn the designation.
“Our faculty and staff are central to the success of our students and the university, and I am grateful for their dedication and the many
ways they contribute to Texas Tech,” President Lawrence Schovanec said. “To be recognized as a Great College to Work For for the sixth consecutive year reflects the strength of our university community and our continued commitment to creating an environment where our faculty and staff can succeed.”
The university also was recognized in 2014, 2015, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025.
One other university within the Texas Tech University System – Angelo State University – also was honored. Texas Tech, Baylor and Kansas State were the only schools from the Big 12 Conference recognized on the 2026 list.
Texas Tech earned recognition in two categories that determine a university’s status on the list:
- Compensation and benefits
- Professional development
Now in its 18th year, the Great Colleges to Work For survey is based on a two-part assessment process. The first part is the ModernThink Higher Education Insight Survey administered to faculty, administrators, exempt professional and non-exempt staff as well as adjuncts at two-year colleges. The second part is the ModernThink Higher Education Institution Questionnaire, which captures employment data and workplace policies and practices from each institution.
Recognition analysis for the Great Colleges to Work For program is conducted by
ModernThink, an organizational development firm with particular survey and “Best Place to Work” expertise.
“Being recognized once again as a Great College to Work For is an honor that reflects the dedication of our faculty and staff and commitment to advancing the university’s mission, supporting student success and pursuing excellence in all that we do,” said Jodie Billingsley, senior associate vice president for Human Resources.
This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Texas Tech earns eighth great Colleges to Work For designation
