The Oklahoman has recognized Meridian Technology Center as a Top Workplace in Oklahoma for the fifth consecutive year.

Meridian was second on the midsize companies list this year.

“It’s an honor to be selected as one of Oklahoma’s Top Workplaces,” said Superintendent/CEO Dr. Douglas R. Major. “We don’t do this for the award or recognition though. We use this process to strengthen our workplace. This process helps us ensure that we are doing what we need to do to ensure our students, clients and employees are successful. Receiving this award for the fifth year in a row is a testament to the character of everyone who works at Meridian.”

The Top Workplaces designations are based solely on employee feedback. Meridian employees completed a survey that was created by WorkplaceDynamics, LLP, a leading research firm on organizational health and employee engagement. Employees were asked to evaluate the company’s direction, execution of ideas, connectedness to the organization, role satisfaction, supervision and employee benefits. Top Workplace designation is based on survey outcomes.

Meridian uses feedback from the survey to implement new ideas and processes to help strengthen the workplace. Comments from the previous year’s survey were instrumental in the creation of Values U, a professional development series for staff. Feedback also resulted in changes in the school’s internal communication efforts and the development of a campus-wide safety committee.

Rebecca Thacker, Secretary in the Program Administration area of campus, is a graduate of Meridian’s Business Technology program. The school’s commitment to excellence was something she recognized as a student. When it came time for her to look for employment, she didn’t have to look far.

“Meridian invested in me and had helped shape who I am today,” she said. “As a student, my instructor, Director of Instruction and everyone at Meridian supported and guided me. As an employee, the staff and leadership here at Meridian have taught me so much. My bosses and co-workers believe in and care about me both professionally and personally. I feel that I am a valued and needed part of a team.”

The concept of teamwork isn’t lost on Chris Allen either.

Six years ago, Allen joined Meridian’s team as the Coordinator of Technical Training. During his time at Tech, he’s worked with business and industry partners throughout the district to provide customized training. When speaking of his role, he’s quick to point out that he’s able to effectively do his job because of the willingness of others to share their expertise.

“There really is a sense that we’re all in this together,” he said of the school’s culture. “I know if I have a client with a specific need that I can call on the instructors in our full-time programs for help. They are always willing to meet with our business and industry clients to help create a customized training plan. Not only will they help design the curriculum, more often than not, they are willing to take on teaching the class.”

Last year Meridian served 325 existing businesses, offered 441 personal and professional development courses and had 12,219 enrollments in business and industry services courses. The Center for Business Development is a business incubator that serves 15 companies with an aggregated number of 51 employees. Graduates create jobs, revitalize communities and commercialize new technologies.

Employees and students are committed to supporting the local community. The class of 2018 contributed more than 3,050 community service hours during their time at Tech. Staff members are encouraged to serve on local boards and professional organizations.

Meridian Technology Center has been a driver of economic development since 1975. With a mission to educate, enrich lives and secure economic futures, Meridian offers full-time career training programs, short courses, Business and Industry services and entrepreneurial support to residents from the Agra, Carney, Glencoe, Guthrie, Morrison, Mulhall-Orlando, Pawnee, Perkins-Tryon, Perry and Stillwater school districts.

For more information about Meridian’s customized education and training for individuals, industries or communities, visit www.meridiantech.edu or contact us at (405) 377-3333 or toll-free at (888) 607-2509.

To learn more about the other companies that received the Top Workplaces designation visit newsok.com.

Photo: The Oklahoman recognized Meridian Technology Center as a Top Workplace in Oklahoma for the fifth consecutive year. Meridian was selected based on employee feedback regarding a variety of areas, including workplace culture. Teachers and staff take part in annual professional development programs, including one that is designed to help them better understand the needs of students.