Our view: Recent recognition affirms Texas Tech's focus, appeal

     It has been a rewarding stretch for Texas Tech University, which, despite its steady and continued growth, has maintained a focus on missional initiatives that augment its appeal as both university and workplace.

      Texas Tech officials announced INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine named the school one of its Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) winners for the 10th year in a row. Tech also was tabbed a Diversity Champion by the publication for the sixth consecutive year.

      In a separate announcement, Tech also was selected as one of the best colleges to work for, according to a survey of almost 200 colleges and universities across the country by the Great Colleges to Work For program.

      INSIGHT Into Diversity is the oldest and largest diversity-focused publication in higher education, according to our recent story. Texas Tech as well as 101 other recipients will be recognized in the magazine’s November issue.

       The Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award pays tribute to outstanding commitments by colleges and universities toward diversity and inclusion through programs, outreach, student retention and hiring practices. It is the only award aimed at recognizing individual schools for a demonstrated campus-wide commitment to diversity and inclusion.

     “Texas Tech is better able to recruit and retain students, faculty and staff when we provide an environment that is supportive and inclusive,” university President Lawrence Schovanec said in our story. “It is gratifying to be recognized for those efforts.”

       As far as workplace environment, the Texas Tech University System saw two other component institutions similarly recognized as great colleges to work for with Angelo State University and the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center also landing on the list. Texas Tech had previously been recognized for its positive culture in 2014 and 2015.

      Tech’s commitment to an excellent workplace was acknowledged in four categories: job satisfaction and support; compensation and benefits; professional development; and diversity, inclusion and belonging.

      “Family and community are central to our mission at Texas Tech,” Schovanec said in our story. “We continually strive to build an environment that is conducive to student and employee success, so to be recognized among the Great Colleges to Work For is a gratifying and humbling testament to our efforts.”

     Survey organizers said results are derived from a two-part assessment comprising an institution questionnaire aimed at employment data and workplace policies and a survey of faculty, administrators and professional support staff. Employee feedback is a primary driver in whether an institution is recognized, which means those who call Texas Tech their workplace home gave the institution high marks.

      “I am elated to share the Great Colleges to Work For designation with our employees,” Jodie Billingsley, associate vice president for human resources at Tech, said. “I believe the areas where we earned recognition are reflective of Texas Tech’s culture of community and the commitment we have to our colleagues and our students.”

       Growth, even of a strategic and intentional manner, invites numerous challenges. We commend Texas Tech for its consistent ability to navigate and embrace growth without compromising the important institutional values it holds dear.