PLATTSBURGH — Plattsburgh State cares about the trailing partner.

Some faculty members met their spouse in graduate school, yet when one moves to campus for a job, there often isn’t a second teaching position, say in chemistry, open.

But maybe there’s something available at CVPH Medical Center or Wyeth.

“We try to create opportunities to look at the credentials of that trailing partner,” said Lawrence Mills, executive director for human resource services at Plattsburgh State.

That service and more are behind Plattsburgh State being singled out as a leader in the Chronicle of Higher Education’s 2009 Great Colleges to Work For program.

It recognizes small groups of colleges, ranked on enrollment size, for best practices and policies in matters such as compensation and benefits, faculty-administration relations and confidence in senior leadership.

“It is an honor to receive special recognition through this survey,” Mills said.

HUNDREDS COMPETED

More than 300 four- and two-year colleges signed up for this year’s program. Nearly 250 went through the survey process last spring.

Results are based on responses from almost 41,000 administrators, faculty and staff.

“Through this program, the Chronicle is able to provide more information to job seekers about the colleges that are the leading innovators when it comes to providing a rewarding work environment,” Chronicle Editor Jeffrey Selingo said in a news release.

The rankings listed 26 recognition categories for four-year institutions and 15 for community colleges.

“The survey validates what many on our campus already know,” Plattsburgh State President Dr. John Ettling said.

“We are proud of the work we have done to receive this recognition, but we also continue to look for ways to make our college even more attractive to prospective employees and to retain the great employees we already have.”