LEWISBURG, WV (LOOTPRESS) – WVSOM (the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine) has been recognized by the Chronicle of Higher Education’s annual academic workplace report as a Great College to Work For for the tenth time.
The report surveyed employees and has recognized the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine in six distinct categories including compensation and benefits, job satisfaction and support, professional development, faculty experience, mission and pride, and faculty staff and well-being.
Another distinction granted to WVSOM was inclusion as part of the publication’s Honor Roll, acknowledging 42 institutions which are recognized the greatest number of times across all categories.
Over two-hundred institutions took part in the Great Colleges to Work For survey for the year 2024, with seventy-five receiving recognition. Workplace policies were captured by way of an institutional questionnaire, while an employee survey administered by ModernThink collected employee feedback from each institution.
ModernThink Chief Culture Strategist Richard Boyer points out the significance of morale among faculty, students, and staff at these institutions.
“In the face of rising levels of burnout and mental health concerns, that focus on the individual members of our community has been critical,” said Boyer. “The 2024 Great Colleges participants have brought similar intentions to the well-being of the institution, not just its individual members. Their commitment to workplace quality and their stewardship of culture positions them well to navigate the continuing challenges higher education faces.”
WVSOM President James W. Nemitz, Ph.D., noted the importance of ensuring employees are aware that they are valued for their contributions in educating the next generation of physicians.
“I hope every person at WVSOM recognizes that the work they do is important and valuable to our students – whether it’s the faculty members who teach them or the staff members who have a more indirect role,” said Dr. Nemitz. “Everyone at our school contributes to our mission, whether they realize it or not. Being a school listed on the honor roll and in most of the recognition categories, means we are doing something right. As president, I want to continue to foster an environment where people are excited about their work and are passionate about student success.”
WVSOM Chief Human Resources Officer Leslie Bicksler expressed gratitude to the employees of WVSOM, stating that recognition in many of the categories stand as a testament to the professional environment maintained by employees at the institution since its inception over half a century ago.
“A great workplace is no accident; it’s a choice by employees every day to strive to make positive changes under challenging circumstances that will move us forward in achieving our mission and goals,” said Bicksler. “WVSOM credits all our employees for our success and appreciates that 122 employees have been with the school for 10 years or more.”
