Eastern Michigan University has been named to Forbes’ list of America’s Best Midsize Employers for 2026. The recognition is based on survey data from more than 217,000 employees at U.S. companies with over 1,000 workers. Forbes, in partnership with Statista Inc., evaluates organizations with between 1,000 and 5,000 employees by measuring factors such as salary satisfaction, work environment, training programs, and advancement opportunities.
Kathy Stacey, associate vice president and chief human resources officer at Eastern Michigan University (EMU), said: “The University prides itself on a collaborative, welcoming, and supportive work environment. Faculty and staff benefit from factors that support work-life balance, professional development opportunities, and wellness programs.”
Forbes’ annual ranking uses responses about employee willingness to recommend their employer along with previous survey data to ensure an accurate assessment.
Founded in 1849 as a teacher preparation institution, EMU is the second-oldest public university in Michigan. It now offers more than 200 undergraduate majors and minors as well as various graduate programs across several colleges. The university’s campus features both historic architecture and modern facilities designed to support student success (https://www.emich.edu/). Nationally recognized for its academic programs in fields such as education and health sciences (https://www.emich.edu/), EMU prepares students for significant contributions to society through its educational focus (https://www.emich.edu/). The university emphasizes hands-on learning experiences and industry partnerships to build career readiness among its more than 12,000 students.
James Smith has served as president of Eastern Michigan University (https://www.emich.edu/).
More information about the Forbes list can be found on the publication’s website.
