The EDU Ledger, along with the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) is pleased to announce the 2026 Most Promising Places to Work in Community Colleges (MPPWCC). With a focus on staffing practices and the work environment, the research team uses a web-based survey to examine categories such as family friendliness, salary/benefits, community engagement, and faculty/staff professional development opportunities to compile the list. Northern Essex Community College is proud to be one of the 27 institutions chosen for this designation.
“NECC is a special place to work due in large part to the innovative spirit that is allowed to thrive,” said Brooke Brown-Saracino, NECC’s assistant director of employee engagement. “The institutional support for new ideas keeps employees engaged and eager to grow. NECC is a model workplace because it intentionally fosters an environment in which employee excellence, equity, strengths-based leadership, and community impact are woven into every facet of its culture. The college embodies all four Promising Practices – recognition, community commitment, professional development, and high-quality orientation.”
The institutions selected were featured in the May 7 edition of the magazine and honored at the 48th Annual NISOD Conference: Advancing Community College Student Engagement (ACCSE), May 23-26 in Austin, Texas.
The 27 Most Promising Places to Work in Community Colleges (in alphabetical order) are:
- Bergen Community College
- Brunswick Community College
- Century College
- Coconino Community College
- College of Southern Maryland
- College of Southern Nevada
- Community College of Allegheny County
- Community College of Aurora
- Garden City Community College
- GateWay Community College (Arizona)
- HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College
- Houston City College
- Hudson County Community College
- Joliet Junior College
- Lamar Institute of Technology
- Malcolm X College
- McLennan Community College
- Montgomery County Community College
- Northeast Lakeview College
- Northeast Mississippi Community College
- Northern Essex Community College
- Northwest Arkansas Community College
- Olive-Harvey College
- Southeast New Mexico College
- St. Philip’s College
- Tallahassee State College
- Weatherford College
To learn about employment opportunities at Northern Essex, visit the webpage.
