Kean University, recognized for affordability, student social mobility, diversity and innovation, now has a new point of pride: Kean is one of America’s Best-In-State Employers.

Forbes and Statista today released a ranking of top employers, based on a survey of companies employing more than 500 workers, placing Kean among the best in New Jersey.

“My administration is committed to building an inclusive workplace culture that helps our entire campus community to climb higher, and this prestigious recognition proves those efforts are succeeding,” said Kean University President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D. “We are proud of our record supporting diversity initiatives, employee wellness and excellence to benefit our employees as well as our students.”

Kean has launched numerous initiatives to support employees during recent years, such as Well-Being at Work, which offers programs that address employees’ physical, emotional, social and financial health. This year, Kean held its first Employee Appreciation Event, a campuswide celebration with music, games, food and camaraderie.

Forbes, the renowned financial publisher, and Statista, a world-leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider, identified Best-In-State Employers based on 2.1 million recommendations, from employees working for companies across the United States.

The listing was made on a state-by-state basis based on three distinct criteria: in-state indirect recommendations by participants evaluating employers; national indirect recommendations evaluating employers in a certain industry; and direct recommendations made by employees about their own workplace.

All employers named must have recommendations from at least 10 employees.

Workers were asked for their opinions on statements surrounding work-related topics such as working conditions, diversity, salary, potential for development and company image.

“The America’s Best-in-State Employers 2023 recognition by Forbes and Statista shows excellent leadership and success of companies, and provides ‘a clear symbol to potential employees that your employer brand belongs to the top performers,’” according to Forbes and Statista.

Kean also offers tuition waiver opportunities for employees and their dependents, an on-site child care center, and maintains a beautiful campus with walking paths, bucolic settings, and state-of-the-art facilities.

“As the leader of this great University, I know our people are our greatest asset,” Repollet said. “They come to work every day committed to helping our students succeed. I’m grateful to each of them.”