EXTON, PA — Energage has partnered with The Princeton Review to launch the first-ever Top Workplaces for Higher Education award, a national recognition program designed to highlight colleges and universities that prioritize people-first cultures and empower their faculty, staff, and administrators to excel.
The new award will shine a spotlight on institutions where employees feel engaged, valued, and supported — a critical factor in attracting and retaining top talent in today’s competitive academic landscape. Winners will be chosen based on feedback gathered through the confidential, research-backed Energage Workplace Survey.
Eligible institutions include four-year colleges and universities with at least 150 employees and a minimum survey response rate of 35%. Nominations are open through September 5, 2025, and there is no cost to participate, survey employees, or win the award. Winners will be announced in early 2026.
“In the world of higher education, institutions are rightly judged on academic rigor and student success — but those things are built on the foundation of an engaged and supported faculty and staff,” said Eric Rubino, CEO of Energage. “We’re proud to partner with The Princeton Review to help elevate the colleges and universities that are investing in their people, creating vibrant campus cultures, and leading with purpose. This is about recognizing the schools where educators, administrators, and staff can do their best work — and thrive while doing it.”
Robert Batten, CEO of The Princeton Review, emphasized the value of the new initiative: “We are genuinely delighted to partner with Energage on this compelling project. Having developed resources for applicants to colleges and universities to decide if a school is a ‘best fit’ for them, we support this initiative that will give prospective employees of colleges and universities a resource to decide if a higher education institution is a ‘best fit’ workplace for them. We commend Energage for instituting the Top Workplaces for Higher Education Awards and look forward to joining with them in shining a light on the extraordinary schools they will select as winners of the 2026 awards.”
Through this award, Energage and The Princeton Review aim to create a new standard for workplace excellence in higher education, offering prospective employees — from faculty to administrators — a clearer view of which institutions value and nurture their people.
To submit a college or university for consideration, anyone can nominate an institution at no cost. Institutions meeting the eligibility criteria will be surveyed confidentially, and all sessions are designed to capture authentic employee sentiment.
Nominations are open now and close September 5, 2025. Winners will be announced in early 2026.
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