The people who directly impact students’ lives through teaching and keep the University of North Alabama running have helped put the Florence school back on a national workplace recognition list.

UNA was named a 2026 Great College to Work For and earned a place on the program’s Honor Roll. This year, the university received recognition for faculty experience, professional development, and confidence in senior leadership.

“This is a very satisfying affirmation for UNA, but our real goal is not recognition – it’s being a community that values the contributions of the faculty and staff who are at the heart of the UNA family,” said UNA President Dr. Ken Kitts. “In that sense, everyone at UNA contributes toward making this a great place to work.”

The results came from a survey of 171 colleges and universities. Of those, 76 received Great College to Work For recognition, and 42 were named to the Honor Roll. UNA was evaluated among large institutions with at least 10,000 students.

It is familiar territory for the university. UNA also earned the designation and a place on the Honor Roll in 2022 and received both honors again in 2024.

The program considers information about each college’s employment policies along with a confidential survey of faculty, administrators and professional support staff. Employee feedback is the primary factor in deciding which schools receive recognition.

ModernThink, a consulting firm that works with colleges on workplace issues, administered the survey and analyzed the results.

For UNA, the latest honor adds to a record of workplace recognition dating back to 2010, with faculty and staff at the heart of it.

Sherri Blevins is a reporter for 256 Today.

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