Boise State University
Boise State University

Boise State University just earned its second consecutive spot on Forbes Magazine's Best Employers By State list—and it's the third time in as many years that the university has secured a Forbes workplace honor. The recognition reflects what more than 160,000 surveyed employees across the nation already know: some workplaces simply do it better.

This isn't just another corporate accolade gathering dust. The Forbes ranking, conducted with market research firm Statista, measures the metrics that actually matter to employees. Current and former workers, along with individuals familiar with the university, rated employers on a zero-to-ten scale across pay equity, culture, advancement opportunities, and responsiveness to serious issues like harassment.

Boise State University scored high enough to crack Idaho's top 10—a validation of the institution's commitment to creating an environment where more than 6,000 full- and part-time faculty and staff can thrive.

Building a Culture That Works

Interim President Jeremiah Shinn didn't mince words about the university's priorities.

"At Boise State, we are dedicated to creating an environment where our students, faculty and staff can thrive," Shinn said. "We are proud to be a university where employees find meaningful work that fuels student success, strengthens our community and contributes to Idaho's future."

That philosophy translates into tangible benefits. Boise State University offers employees a supportive work environment, robust benefits package, and a focus on the whole employee experience designed to foster wellbeing, collaboration, innovation, and career growth. The approach appears to be working—employee satisfaction and retention rates speak for themselves.

Katie Thomas, chief human resources officer, emphasized the connection between employee support and organizational excellence.

"Our HR team is dedicated to fostering an environment where every employee can learn, grow and succeed," Thomas said. "When people feel supported and connected to our purpose and one another, it builds a special culture where employees are empowered to do their best work."

A Pattern of Recognition

This marks the third Forbes honor for Boise State University in consecutive years. In 2024, the university didn't just make Idaho's top 10—it also ranked 51st nationally among America's Best Midsize Employers. That dual recognition positioned Boise State as the only higher education institution honored in Idaho and the state's only employer listed in the top 100 of midsize and large employers.

The consistency matters. One appearance on a "best employers" list might be luck. Two could be a fluke. Three consecutive years suggest something systematic—a workplace culture that prioritizes people as much as it prioritizes outcomes.

The Forbes methodology captures that distinction. By surveying more than 160,000 employees working at organizations with at least 500 people, the research firm built a dataset large enough to identify genuine patterns in workplace satisfaction. Respondents rated employers not just on compensation, but on the intangibles that make workplaces either tolerable or transformational.

Why This Matters Beyond Campus

For prospective employees, the Forbes recognition offers a signal in a noisy job market. Boise State University provides opportunities near natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and a thriving downtown community—but it's the workplace culture that keeps people engaged and advancing in their careers.

For current employees, the recognition validates what they experience daily: an institution that invests in its people understands that supporting faculty and staff directly impacts student success and community engagement.

For Idaho's broader community, having a major employer consistently recognized for workplace excellence strengthens the state's ability to attract and retain talent. As Idaho continues experiencing population and economic growth, employers that create environments where people want to stay become anchors for regional stability.

Boise State University employs thousands of professionals across teaching, research, administration, and support services. Each contributes to an institution that's not just educating students but building a model for how universities can function as both academic institutions and exemplary employers.

The three consecutive Forbes honors aren't the destination—they're evidence of a trajectory. As the university continues evolving, the commitment to creating an environment where employees learn, grow, and succeed remains foundational.

For those interested in becoming part of that culture, Boise State University maintains current employment opportunities on its career website. The Forbes recognition suggests those opportunities come with something increasingly rare: a workplace that actually values the people who make it run.