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William Paterson University has once again been recognized by Forbes as one of New Jersey's Best-In-State Employers, earning the distinction for the third consecutive year.
The annual ranking, compiled by Forbes and market research firm Statista, recognizes employers that excel in workplace culture, professional development, compensation and benefits, opportunities for advancement, diversity and overall employee satisfaction. William Paterson was among 90 New Jersey organizations recognized on the 2026 list.
“Receiving this Forbes recognition for the third consecutive year is especially meaningful because it is based on independent surveys of employees, including our dedicated faculty and staff. All our employees share an unrelenting dedication to student success, and William Paterson is committed to empowering them in that mission by building and sustaining a strong institutional culture, where they can thrive personally and professionally,” says University President Richard J. Helldobler.
The 2026 rankings were based on an independent survey of more than 245,000 U.S. employees working for organizations with at least 500 employees. William Paterson employs nearly 1,000 full-time faculty and staff.
More than 2 million employer evaluations were considered in the rankings, including both employees' assessments of their own workplace and public recommendations from others in the same industry.
This recognition, along with the University’s distinction as a “2025 Great College to Work For” – awarded to just 76 higher education institutions across the United States – reflects William Paterson's ongoing investment in employee growth and well-being. More than half of the University's positions are filled through internal promotions, demonstrating a strong commitment to career advancement. Employees also benefit from flexible work arrangements, including a hybrid work environment and four-day summer workweek; comprehensive retirement and financial planning; tuition benefits for employees and their dependents; tax-advantaged savings opportunities; and an annual professional development series that has received national recognition for its innovative approach.
Beyond benefits, the University fosters a strong sense of community through campus traditions and employee engagement initiatives, including Communiversity Day, Bring Your Child to Work Day, Wellness Day and other programs that encourage connection, professional growth and work-life balance.
"We've worked intentionally to create an environment where people feel supported, challenged and empowered to grow throughout their careers. Our Forbes survey results, as well as other engagement surveys, have consistently demonstrated employees’ sense of belonging in the organization. Seeing that reflected in employee feedback year after year is incredibly rewarding," says Allison Boucher-Jarvis, vice president for human resources at William Paterson University.
The award list was announced on August 13th, 2026, and can be viewed on Forbes website.
