UTSA named a top employer in Texas by Forbes for second year in a row

SEPTEMBER 18, 2023 — The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) has been named a top employer in Texas by Forbes for the second year in a row, demonstrating the institution’s dedication to fostering an exceptional workplace.

UTSA is among the top 50 employers in the state, which is home to over 600,000 employers. Also included in the rankings are NASA, H-E-B, Dell Technologies, the City of San Antonio and more.

“At UTSA, ensuring faculty and staff success is a top priority,” said UTSA Senior Vice President for Business Affairs and Chief Enterprise Development Officer Veronica Salazar. “By supporting an inspiring and engaging workplace, we aim to create an environment where employees can thrive. Our repeated recognition by Forbes confirms our continued progress toward our goal to be a great place to work.”

“Our repeated recognition by Forbes confirms our continued progress toward our goal to be a great place to work.”

This designation recognizes UTSA’s commitment to the growth and development of its faculty and staff through providing dynamic and effective training opportunities, as well as a competitive, comprehensive benefits package to all benefits-eligible faculty and staff. The university’s commitment to the professional and personal wellbeing of its employees serves to attract and retain a workforce that is equipped to pursue its strategic goals in a competitive, changing environment.

In recent years, UTSA has reaffirmed its support of faculty and staff through the Campus Climate initiative, a robust process that included an initial survey, follow-up focus groups and town hall conversations. The focus on climate has resulted in comprehensive plans that address a variety of initiatives at both the institutional and divisional levels.

“We understand the importance of our employees feeling valued and engaged in the workplace,” said Katy Madden, interim associate vice president of UTSA People Excellence. “Over the last year, People Excellence has maintained a strong focus on supporting a positive climate, and our team will continue to focus on the well-being and development of our university’s employees as we move forward.”

Part of the ongoing response to the Campus Climate initiative is a multi-year comprehensive strategic plan to increase compensation through merit increases, increased minimum pay rates and pay scales, market retention adjustments and one-time stipends. These intentional investment strategies demonstrate the university’s commitment to attracting and retaining an exemplary workforce that supports strategic growth and innovative excellence.

“We have made significant investments in our faculty and staff to better recruit and retain new talent,” said Mary Hernandez, senior associate vice president for UTSA Administration and Operations. “The Forbes ranking is a reminder of everything we’ve done—and continue to do—to make UTSA an excellent workplace.”

UTSA has more than 6,981 employees, including faculty, staff and student workers. The university’s ongoing focus on campus climate will help support a growing workforce as the institution continues to expand its presence in San Antonio.

The Forbes list of America’s Best-in-State Employers for 2023 was compiled in partnership with research firm Statista. A total of 70,000 full- or part-time employees in each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia were surveyed. The surveyed individuals work at companies with more than 500 workers nationwide. In total, 1,392 organizations made the list.

The survey explored various aspects about employers, including working conditions, diversity, compensation packages, potential for development and company image.

— Lauren Beaver