KENT, Ohio – For the second time, Kent State University has been chosen as a NorthCoast 99 Award recipient, recognized as one of the “great workplaces for top talent in Northeast Ohio” by the Employers Research Council. The university had also received the award in 2005.

“The award speaks volumes about the excellence and dedication of our faculty, our staff and our administrators, as well as to Kent State’s strong commitment to professional development. And it clearly supports our aim of ensuring student success,” says Kent State University President Dr. Lester Lefton.

“This year and in the years to come, each of us must strive to be a top performer in everything we undertake,” he adds. “More than anything, this will determine Kent State’s ability to compete, survive and thrive.”

For more than 85 years, the Employment Research Council, which sponsors the award, has been assisting Northeast Ohio organizations with creating great workplaces. ERC is partnered with NorthCoast 99 to work with area organizations to design and implement practical, cost-effective programs that support the attraction, retention and motivation of “top performers.”  Since 1999, hundreds of organizations have applied for the award, and the program has recognized more than 300 organizations that meet the qualifications.        

“Kent State has many initiatives which are very attractive to candidates,” says Kent State Vice President for Human Resources Carolyn Pizzuto.  “The NorthCoast 99 award underscores that this really is a great place to work.” 

The 2007 application for the award included questions regarding benefits, employee communication practices, community service activities, compensation, diversity and workplace health and safety.

Winning the award has long-term benefits for the more than 3,700 Kent State employees as well as the student body, as the award is known to generate more opportunities to attract top local and national talent, adds Pizzuto.

The 2007 award winners will be recognized at the annual awards dinner on Wednesday, Sept. 19, at LaCentre Conference & Banquet Facility in Westlake.

Kent State University joins the ranks of such other top performers as Huntington Bank, Akron Children’s Hospital, The Timken Company, and Case Western Reserve University. 

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