Best Places to Work 2007: Crowder College

The family atmosphere and important work of Crowder College provides staff with a “feeling of being a part of something bigger than themselves,’’ said college President Alan Marble.

“Working with students and the very best staff provides its own rewards,” Marble said. “We celebrate life’s victories together and we mourn its losses.”

Crowder has gained recognition as one of southwest Missouri’s Best Places to Work for the second year in a row. “We have made some improvements since last year in our vacation policy for classified staff members,” Marble said.

“The waiting period for leave time was lowered substantially,” he added.

Classified staff members are now entitled to two weeks of vacation time after one year of full-time employment, compared to a previous allotment of one week. An additional week is granted after four years of employment and again after eight years.

“The college council felt this was one way that we could show staff how much they are appreciated,” Marble said.

Crowder’s board of trustees also continues to pay 100 percent of insurance premiums for full-time employees.

“This is something we review carefully every year,” Marble said.

“We know that our employees pay dearly to insure their families so we must continually seek the package that doesn’t just get the best deal for the college, but also provides affordable coverage for families.”

Marble emphasized efforts to attract and retain the best possible staff. “Once we get them we try to keep them,” Marble said.

All employees and their dependents are entitled to attend classes free of charge, regardless of full- or part-time employment status. There are no distinctions made for biological and adopted children or children from blended families.

“The tuition waiver is a tremendous benefit that helps us attract quality people from the community to teach on a part-time basis,” Marble said.

The college’s main campus is in Neosho with additional centers in Cassville, Nevada and Webb City.

There are also plans to expand in southern McDonald County.

More than 3,300 students are currently enrolled at Crowder. Recent enrollment growth has necessitated a focus on physical space.

“We are building a 47,000-square-foot building to house additional classrooms, a library and conference center on the main campus,” Marble said.

“The Cassville campus will unveil a new building in 2008. Additional expansion is also planned for Nevada and Webb City.”

Crowder College

Founded: 1963

Address: 601 Laclede, Neosho, MO 64850 Web: www.crowder.edu

Employees: 436

Services: Higher-learning institution with two-year degrees[[In-content Ad]]