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FREDONIA - The Chronicle of Higher Education has named the State University at Fredonia one of the best colleges to work for in the nation.

The Chronicle's "2010 Great Colleges to Work For" program recognizes colleges, based on enrollment size, for specific best practices and policies. Now in its third year, the study has become one of the largest and most respected workplace-recognition programs in the nation.

The Chronicle's annual report is based on a survey of more than 42,000 employees at 277 colleges and universities. Only 97 of the 277 institutions - roughly one-third - attained the ''Great Colleges to Work For'' recognition.

The survey results are based on a two-part assessment process: an institutional audit that captured demographics and workplace policies from each institution, and a survey administered to faculty, administrators, and professional support staff. The primary factor in deciding whether an institution received recognition was employee feedback.

Fredonia earned honors in three major categories, including Confidence in Senior Leadership, reflecting that Fredonia's leaders have the knowledge, skills and experience necessary for institutional success. The university also excelled in the Supervisor or Department Chair Relationship category, which is based upon employees' beliefs that their supervisors make expectations clear and regularly solicit ideas from those whom they manage. The campus also earned high marks in Professional/Career Development Programs, which signals that employees are given the opportunity to develop skills and understand requirements to advance in their careers.

"I am thrilled that our campus has been recognized by the Chronicle of Higher Education," said Dennis Hefner, Fredonia president. "It is very rewarding to see Fredonia honored for the positive and constructive workplace culture we have collectively instilled over the years, which is the result of many people consistently performing at an exceptional level. It is a pleasure to be a part of such an environment."

Michael Daley, human resources director, also pointed to some new employee initiatives that he believes helped Fredonia stand out in the judges' minds, including the campus' Leadership Academy. The program which began in 2009 provides employees who wish to grow and develop in their positions with specialized training from on- and off-campus experts to enhance their managerial, strategic and leadership skills. This also better positions employees for possible advancement opportunities when they occur.

"This is a wonderful honor for our university," Daley said. "It in effect says that SUNY Fredonia is a place where the employees have confidence in their senior leadership and strong relationships with their supervisors. A big part of that stems from the great respect we have for one another and the singular goal we all share, which is providing an exemplary, rewarding and fun environment for our students to develop into tomorrow's leaders and successes."

SUNY Fredonia has more than 900 total employees, including approximately 250 full-time faculty members, supported by roughly 180 part-time instructors.