FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The University of Arkansas has been named the silver award winner for its support of employee well-being and its commitment to balancing work and family by the Arkansas Governor’s Family-Friendly Employer Award program. The university joins the other award winners, Baptist Health Center (gold), Arkansas Children’s Hospital (silver) and St. Vincent Health System (bronze) in the large employer category.

“We are very proud of the family-friendly benefits offered to staff members and are grateful for this distinction from Gov. Huckabee,” said Barbara Taylor, associate vice chancellor for Human Resources. “The university offers a number of incentives and programs to help ensure the health and happiness of its employees. These include generous leave benefits to employees, job-sharing, flex-time and service recognition programs.”

The Arkansas Governor's Family-Friendly Employer Award program has been in place for three years. The U of A has received awards each year, being named the bronze award winner in 2003 and the silver award winner in 2004, both in the large employer category.

The publisher/editor of the “2005 Arkansas Governor’s Family Friendly” program is Brigette Williams. Judges for the 2005 Arkansas Governor’s Family Friendly Employer Award are Dr. Steve Dennis of the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service, Cissy Huggs of Weyerhaeuser, Dr. Glen Jones of Arkansas State University, Carmelita Smith of UAMS and Ed Wheeler of the city of Bentonville.

In its description of the benefits offered by the institution, the program cites, “The 3,700 appointed employees are able to take courses at the university for $5 per credit hour while their spouses and children receive a 50 percent discount.

“Through the Dual Career Employment Network, spouses or other family members of employees relocating to northwest Arkansas receive assistance in finding a job in the area.”

The program also commends the university’s free screening tests for preventive care, free well-baby care, employee development services and employee assistance program.

For more information on the Arkansas Governor’s Family Friendly Employer Award, go to http://www.arkansasbusiness.com/family/flash.html.