University of Phoenix Named ‘Best Places to Work’
University Recognized for Creating a Positive Working Environment for Employees
HOUSTON (July 21, 2009) – University of Phoenix – Houston campus, a leader in higher education that offers associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs to working students, was recently selected as one of the top Best Places to Work for 2009 by the Houston Business Journal. This is the first year the University has been recognized for its positive working environment, as well as the first year the Houston campus competed among hundreds of local businesses for the honor.
Trust in management and the University’s alignment with employees’ personal goals scored high on company survey results, which were evaluated and ranked by Quantum Market Research Inc. This year, 115 companies were nominated and 12,591 employees completed surveys in the Houston area. University of Phoenix secured the fourth place on the Best Places to Work list that highlighted Houston companies that were not headquartered in the area.
Distinctive initiatives such as Wii Fit game nights, time off to volunteer at local non-profit groups and charities as a team, a Biggest Loser competition to see who could shed the most weight, and department team-building events held year-round are part of the ongoing agenda of having fun together, which is a staple for the University’s six campus and learning center locations in Houston, Woodlands and the Sugar Land areas.
Christina Robinson Grochett, University of Phoenix South Texas Vice President and Director, says the campus continuously strives to create an enjoyable work culture for its employees. Full tuition reimbursement for employees, half reimbursement for employees’ children and spouses, and community giving and wellness programs also contributed to the University’s high ranking.
In addition, the University also has a strong employee recognition program that demonstrates appreciation to employees for their hard work.
“We’re very pleased to be recognized with such an honor,” Grochett said. “University of Phoenix strives to foster a positive continuous learning environment that helps our employees with a well-balanced workplace that addresses both their professional and personal needs.”
The final list of the “Best Places to Work 2009” is based solely on employee survey results evaluated and ranked by Quantum Market Research Inc. Those surveys measured work environment (goals, objectives, vision, leadership); people in each organization (respect, open/honest communication, support, teamwork); personal growth and development (advancement opportunity, skill development); people practices (recognition, reward, compensation, benefits); how things work (tolerance, flexibility); and embracing innovation and new ideas.
In 2001, University of Phoenix entered the Texas market by opening its first campuses simultaneously in Dallas and Houston. While the initial graduating class totaled just over 200 students, the University has expanded to six campus and learning center locations across Greater Houston, the Woodlands and the Sugar Land areas.
University of Phoenix is constantly innovating to help students balance education and life in a rapidly changing world. Through flexible schedules, challenging courses and interactive learning, students achieve personal and career aspirations without putting their lives on hold. During the quarter ending May 31, 2009, 420,700 students were enrolled at University of Phoenix, the largest private university in North America. University of Phoenix serves a diverse student population, offering associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs from campuses and learning centers across the U.S. as well as online throughout the world.
Contact
Maemalynn Meanor
(817) 431-1663
mmeanor@c-k.com
