Royal Oak, MI — Baker College has been recognized as one of the 2026 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For, earning honors in West Michigan, Metropolitan Detroit, and across the Nation. This achievement reflects the organization’s continued commitment to excellence in workplace practices, employee engagement, and organizational leadership.
Baker College along with other winning companies were evaluated by an independent research firm that reviewed several key metrics. The categories for scoring included: Compensation, Benefits, and Employee Solutions; Creative Wellness and Wellbeing Solutions; Employee Enrichment, Engagement, and Retention; Employee Education and Development; Recruitment and Selection; Employee Achievement and Recognition; Communication and Shared Vision; Acceptance, Equity, and Inclusion; Work-Life Blend; Community Initiatives and Corporate Responsibility; and Leadership, Strategy, and Company Performance.
“Our employees are the foundation of the Baker College experience,” said Tracey Rigdon, Associate Vice President for Human Resources. “Being recognized as one of the Best and Brightest Companies to Work For reflects our commitment to having a culture where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to grow. When our people thrive, our students benefit, and that connection is central to maintaining our student-first philosophy and success.”
With more than 25 years of experience conducting the Best and Brightest competitions, the National Association for Business Resources (NABR) has identified numerous best Human Resource practices and provided benchmarking for companies that continue to be leaders in employment Standards. “We are proud to recognize Baker College for its outstanding commitment to its employees and its continued leadership in workplace excellence,” said Jennifer Kluge, President and CEO of the National Association for Business Resources and the Best and Brightest Programs. “Earning recognition in multiple regions and at the national level is a significant accomplishment that speaks to the strength of their culture and leadership.”
The National Association for Business Resources offers an array of recognition programs that celebrate excellence in various aspects of business, including workplace culture, wellness initiatives, and leadership. These programs include the Best and Brightest Companies to Work For, Best and Brightest in Small Business, Best and Brightest in Wellness, Best and Brightest CEOs and Leadership Teams which are presented in several markets that include Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Milwaukee, Nashville, New England, New York, Northern California, Pacific Northwest, Southern California, South Florida, West Michigan and Nationally.
Baker College is an independent, private, non-profit institution that grants associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees on six campuses across Michigan and online. Founded in 1911, the institution’s mission is to provide an inclusive, innovative, and transformative educational experience, driven by a student-first philosophy. Learn more at baker.edu and follow on X, Meta, and Instagram.