UTRGV lands first Great Colleges to Work For Honor Roll spot

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley earned its first Honor Roll distinction in the 2026 Great Colleges to Work For program after employee feedback placed the school among 42 colleges nationwide on the list. UTRGV was recognized in six workplace categories, up from two last year, as the university said the result reflects its growing campus workforce and student body.

Why it matters: - UTRGV’s first Honor Roll selection puts the university among the top-scoring institutions in the 2026 Great Colleges to Work For program. - The recognition signals stronger employee satisfaction across multiple workplace categories and comes as the university continues to grow in the Rio Grande Valley. - The award can also support recruitment, retention and morale across faculty and staff.

What happened: - The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley earned Honor Roll distinction in the 2026 Great Colleges to Work For program. - UTRGV was one of 42 colleges nationwide selected for the Honor Roll. - The university received recognition in six workplace categories. - The recognition marks UTRGV’s third consecutive year of inclusion in the national workplace program. - UTRGV competed in the large-university category for institutions with more than 10,000 students.

The details: - UTRGV was recognized for job satisfaction and support, professional development, mission and pride, supervisor and department chair effectiveness, confidence in senior leadership, and inclusion, belonging and community. - The six categories were up from two categories in 2025. - ModernThink administered the survey used in the program. - More than 4,000 full-time UTRGV employees were surveyed, including faculty, administrators and professional support staff. - More than 2,000 employees responded anonymously, for a 49% response rate. - The program also uses information from an institutional questionnaire. - Nationwide, 171 colleges received recognition in 2026, including 105 four-year institutions and 66 two-year colleges. - The Honor Roll identifies the highest-scoring institutions within each program classification.

Between the lines: - The jump from two recognized categories to six suggests broader improvement in the employee experience, not just a single standout area. - UTRGV’s recognition comes alongside a larger institutional footprint, including 7,885 faculty and staff members across academic programs, research, healthcare initiatives and student services. - President Guy Bailey framed the award as a reflection of faculty and staff contributions to students and the regional community.

What's next: - UTRGV says employee-development resources include in-house coaching, mentoring, leadership academies, service workshops and 24-hour E-Learn training. - Employees also have access to tuition assistance, medical care, confidential counseling and wellness resources. - UTRGV directs jobseekers to its careers site for employment opportunities and benefit information. - Additional results and category details are available through the Great Colleges to Work For program. - The university began the Fall 2026 semester with a record 36,466 students, including 7,373 incoming freshmen.

The bottom line: - UTRGV’s first Honor Roll appearance shows employee sentiment rising at a university that is expanding its student body, workforce and public-service role in South Texas.