JJC Named 2023 Most Promising Places to Work in Community Colleges Award Winner

Joliet Junior College has been recognized as one of the 2023 Most Promising Places to Work in Community Colleges by the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) and Diverse: Issues In Higher Education (Diverse). 

JJC is one of 20 colleges nationwide and one of three in Illinois to receive the honor. The annual award recognizes community and technical colleges committed to diversity through student and staff recruitment and retention practices, inclusive learning and working environments and meaningful community service and engagement opportunities. The national study uses web-based surveys to collect information from NISOD member institutions. 

“This award is a testament to the hard work, dedication and commitment we have all invested in creating a positive and fulfilling workplace culture,” said Judy Connelly, JJC director of human resources. “JJC is the nation’s first public community college. We honor our rich history and lead forward in a progressive, forward-thinking strategic manner.” 

JJC will be recognized for this award at NISOD’s International Conference of Teaching and Leadership Excellence in Austin, Texas, from May 27-30. The full list will be published in the May 25 issue of Diverse’s newsmagazine, the only bi-weekly national publication focusing on matters of access and opportunity for all in higher education. 

“This distinction is a testament to the focus the institution has put on diversity, equity, inclusion and mental health awareness,” said JJC President Dr. Clyne G. H. Namuo. “We are challenging our faculty, staff and students to have difficult conversations in the DEI space and emphasizing we are people before we are employees or students. This has been reflected in the internal and external environment our campus community is thriving in.” 

2023 marks the second consecutive year JJC has made the Most Promising Places to Work in Community Colleges list. Additionally, JJC was recognized earlier this school year by Forbes as one of the top 100 employers in Illinois. 

Recent additions to JJC’s total rewards for employees include enhanced tuition assistance for continuing education, flexible work arrangements and DEI and wellness programming, including employee affinity groups, free access to the Main Campus fitness center and open gyms with the president. 

“The College fosters an environment of innovation, encouraging creative thinking and evaluating opportunities to strengthen existing programs and services while also exploring new ways to serve our students/community,” Connelly said.  

For media inquiries, please contact Communications & Media Manager, Katie Smith, at katherine.smith@jjc.edu or by phone at 815-280-2844.