PCC on National Publication’s List of ‘Most Promising Places to Work’ in Community Colleges
WINTERVILLE—Pitt Community College was recently featured in a national publication’s list of institutions considered vibrant, diverse and supportive workplaces committed to professional development, inclusive excellence, and work-life balance for employees.
In the May 17 edition of Diverse: Issues in Higher Education, the magazine revealed its annual list of “Most Promising Places to Work” in community colleges. Pitt was one of 18 two-year colleges from across the nation to make the list, which also included Charlotte’s Central Piedmont Community College and Raleigh’s Wake Technical Community College.
“I’d like to thank all of the employees who contributed to the survey PCC submitted to Diverse Magazine – Anna Jones, Julie Peaden, Happy Gingras and Jasmin Spain, in particular,” said PCC Vice President of Human Resources Ina Rawlinson. “Many thanks to President Dennis Massey as well, for his support and belief in our faculty and staff.”
According to Diverse, the team that compiled this year’s “Most Promising” list focused on workplace diversity, staffing practices and work environment. It used a web-based survey approach to determine the final selections, examining each college’s family friendliness, salary/benefits and professional development opportunities.
A staff profile that accompanied the feature stated that at least 50 percent of PCC’s 451 full- and part-time staff members are female and that 25 percent or more are ethnic minorities. Similarly, Pitt’s faculty profile showed at least 50 percent of its 582 faculty members are female and at least 30 percent are ethnic minorities.
PCC was one of only eight colleges on the list to receive all A’s in three “Institutional Policies” categories – institutional diversity practices, family friendliness and work-life practices – and four “Faculty and Staff HR” categories: comprehensive orientation for new faculty and also for staff and the performance evaluation process for faculty and also for staff.
In a press release announcing the “Most Promising” list, Diverse explained that the feature is a result of a study it commissioned in 2014 in conjunction with the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD). The study’s purpose was to examine the extent to which diversity and inclusion are present at participating two-year community and technical colleges – all of which are NISOD-member institutions.
The project, according to the magazine, has given researchers a clearer view of what colleges are doing to increase faculty and staff diversity, foster a sense of belonging among staff, and equip educators for their work with students. These “promising practices” include recognition of good work, commitment to meeting community needs, and investment in faculty/staff development.
For the past 35 years, PCC has held an annual appreciation and recognition evening to reward faculty and staff excellence and honor employees for their years of service.
Along the professional development front, Pitt administrators established an annual Leadership Institute for faculty and staff in 2004. In the 14 years since, they have added various training opportunities throughout the year, along with a monthly speaker series featuring state and local educational administrators sharing their thoughts on leadership.
In its mission statement, PCC pledges to be a vital partner in the community’s economic and workforce development. In recent years, the college has established centers in several Pitt County locations to extend learning opportunities beyond the main campus. And, in January, an economic impact report showed PCC and its students added $277.2 million in income to the service area economy in FY 2015-16.
07/06/2018