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Johnson City Today
By the People, for the People
ETSU Named One of Top 100 Midsize Employers by Forbes
University ranks 71st out of 500 midsize employers nationwide in prestigious survey.
Published on Feb. 12, 2026
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East Tennessee State University has been recognized as one of the top midsize employers in the country, ranking 71st out of 500 midsize employers nationwide in the latest Forbes Magazine survey. The rankings were based primarily on employee feedback about factors like work environment, benefits, and opportunities for advancement.
Why it matters
This recognition from Forbes highlights ETSU's commitment to creating a supportive and empowering work environment for its employees, which in turn helps the university better serve its students and the broader community. As one of the largest employers in the region, ETSU's inclusion on this prestigious list is a point of pride for the institution and the local area.
The details
According to Forbes, the rankings were based on survey responses from employees at companies with 1,000 to 5,000 workers. Respondents were asked if they would recommend their employer to others and to rate their employer on criteria like salary, work environment, benefits, and opportunities to advance. ETSU was the only midsize employer in East Tennessee to make the top 500 list.
- The Forbes rankings were released on February 12, 2026.
The players
East Tennessee State University
A public university located in Johnson City, Tennessee, with over 14,000 students enrolled. ETSU is one of the largest employers in the region.
Brian Noland
The president of East Tennessee State University, who stated that this recognition affirms the hard work and commitment of the entire ETSU community.
What they’re saying
“This recognition as one of the best colleges to work for, along with our inclusion on the Great Colleges Honor Roll, affirms the hard work and commitment of our entire university community. Our efforts aim to ensure that ETSU remains a place where everyone is supported, valued and empowered to contribute to the success of our students and our community.”
— Brian Noland, President, East Tennessee State University (wjhl.com)
The takeaway
ETSU's inclusion on the Forbes list of top midsize employers demonstrates the university's commitment to fostering a positive and rewarding work environment for its faculty and staff. This recognition helps solidify ETSU's reputation as a leading regional institution that values its employees and is dedicated to supporting their professional growth and development.
