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Tulane University employees display their real-life musical talents. From left are: assistant grounds supervisor Artis Lewis, piano; accounting clerk Yolanda Jackson, gospel singer; graphic designer Tracey
O’Donnell, guitar; senior associate dean for admissions Dr. Marc Kahn, trumpet; clarinet tutor Robyn Jones; pediatrics professor Dr. Russell Van Dyke, banjo; and associate music professor John Joyce, drums.
Photo by Frank Aymami
T W O - T I M E H O N O R E E
Tulane University
When it comes to the college experience,
the sense of community and camaraderie
that comes with it is something people cherish
for the rest of their lives.
For the employees of Tulane University, it’s a
feeling that extends to their day-to-day work
environment.
“It’s like being part of a small city within the
bigger city of New Orleans,” said Yvette Jones,
executive vice president for university relations
and development. “You’ve got young people
around you all the time, new ideas and innovations.
… It’s a vital community that you’re a
part of.”
Even for staff members, education is encouraged;
all employees and their immediate family
members can receive a free Tulane education.
When Jones began working for Tulane 30
years ago as a secretary to the president, she
had not yet received a bachelor’s degree. Using
Tulane’s tuition waiver, she obtained her bachelor’s
degree and master’s in business administration,
and her daughter graduated from the
university in 2000 at no cost.
Employees say Tulane’s administration values
everyone’s input. Melinda Viles, graphic
design manager at Tulane, said President Scott
Cowen sits in on focus groups every year in
which employees can voice suggestions and
concerns.
“He weighs what everyone has to say,” Viles
said.
When employees reach their fifth anniversary,
as Viles recently did, they receive a gift
certificate to one of 200 stores of their choice.
Employees say the university encourages
them to tend to their families and personal
lives.
“Our boss stresses taking time out with the
kids,” said Shawn Lege, assistant vice president
for university construction. On several
occasions, Lege has left work to attend his children’s
sporting events, father/son lunches at
his son’s school and other family functions.
As long as he finishes his work, he can take
the time to be with his family. The hours are
flexible, and he can work from home if necessary,
he said.
Nature of business: education
Where based: New Orleans
Employees: 4,100
Average starting salary: $30,000
Median starting salary: $37,000
Average employment time: 11.5 years
Benefits: health care with 60 percent coverage, dental, vision
and prescription plans, unmarried partner benefits, paid maternity
and paternity leave, 401(k), continuing education program,
day care options, paid mileage, employee recognition program,
fitness program
Wait time for benefits: none
Paid days off: 43
Web site: www.tulane.edu
Career advancement is another perk at
Tulane, where employees are often promoted
from within. Lege started as a project manager
then was promoted to director of construction
and eventually his current position. Jones started
out as a secretary and worked her way up to
an executive vice president position.
Jones said one of her favorite aspects of her
job is getting to know students during their
time at Tulane, especially when they fall in love
with the university and want to pursue careers
there. Jones estimates that of Tulane’s 4,100
full-time employees, more than one-fourth are
alumni.
“Students come here and they want to stay,”
Jones said.•
— Fritz Esker
48 2009 Best Places to Work