sous chef

library assistant

desk attendant

culinary

administrative specialist

NorthWest Arkansas Community College

Based on my experience working at Northwest Arkansas Community College (NWACC), I am compelled to share my job review. Unfortunately, my time at NWACC has been marked by numerous challenges and disappointments that have significantly impacted my professional growth and job satisfaction. I hope that by bringing attention to these concerns, positive changes can be made within the institution.
One of the most significant issues at NWACC is the low pay. The compensation is below industry standards, making it difficult to meet financial obligations and feel adequately valued for the work performed. The lack of competitive wages hampers employee morale and makes attracting and retaining highly skilled individuals challenging.
Moreover, the workload at NWACC is unreasonably heavy, leaving employees feeling overworked and overwhelmed. This excessive workload compromises the quality of work and contributes to burnout and diminished job satisfaction. Striking a balance between work responsibilities and personal life becomes a constant struggle.
In addition, NWACC needs better leadership, which has far-reaching consequences for the entire organization. The absence of effective leadership results in a lack of direction, unclear communication, and a failure to hold individuals accountable for their actions or lack thereof. This fosters an environment of frustration and undermines the potential for growth and improvement.
The lack of diversity within NWACC is a matter of concern. Embracing diversity and promoting inclusivity is essential in any educational institution. The absence of diverse perspectives and experiences limits the institution's ability to provide students with a comprehensive and inclusive learning environment and inhibits innovation and growth within the organization.
Furthermore, NWACC needs to provide more support for its staff. The lack of resources, guidance, and professional development opportunities hinders employees' personal and career growth. This lack of support can lead to isolation and job dissatisfaction, ultimately hindering the institution's overall success.
Unfortunately, a toxic work environment pervades NWACC. A toxic atmosphere can significantly impact employee well-being, collaboration, and productivity. NWACC must address this issue promptly and create a healthy, respectful, and supportive workplace for all staff members.
Additionally, the need for more cooperation between departments, specifically the discord between enrollment advisors and division advisors, further contributes to the dysfunctional nature of the institution. This lack of collaboration hampers efficiency and affects student success as they navigate their academic journey without proper guidance and support.
One area that particularly requires attention is student services. The lack of support provided to students academically and financially is deeply concerning. Placing students in incorrect courses to increase revenue without considering their educational needs is a disservice to their academic growth and future success. NWACC must prioritize student support services and ensure students receive the necessary resources and guidance to thrive.
Lastly, appointing unqualified individuals into positions they need to be more suited for is a significant concern. This undermines the expertise and skills of qualified individuals and compromises the quality of education and services NWACC provides. Hiring decisions should be based on merit and competency to maintain the institution's integrity and reputation.
In conclusion, my experience working at Northwest Arkansas Community College has been deeply disappointing due to several systemic issues. The low pay, excessive workload, poor leadership, lack of accountability, limited diversity, toxic environment, lack of support, and misplaced priorities require urgent attention and improvement. I sincerely hope that NAWCC takes these concerns seriously and implements measures to create a more positive, inclusive, and supportive work environment for its employees and a more student-centered institution overall.


Little training. No active shooter training which is concerning, anyone including security guards can use ACIC which is illegal. No evidence room, but they were working on getting one after I left. Chief is stubborn and not progressive. He was a 33 year Kansas State Trooper who I guess never worked a criminal case ever because he was no help on a felony investigation. He also held a grudge when I resigned because of him, and tried to have my certification revoked. All because I 
quit, no other justification. No communication with surrounding agencies, which would also be concerning if a major event occurred where NWACC officers needed to communicate with surrounding agencies. Upper university management treats the police as after thought step children. No support or willingness to enforce any of the laws or rules of campus. 
Fellow officers are great to work with though. Loads of experience among the officers if they would utilize them more. Job is beyond easy, if you want to do nothing all day you can. Professors and most staff were friendly, but do not view you as law enforcement, more like security guards. This agency has potential if they would work with the university to offer training not just to NWACC police but also outside agencies. Loads of campus classrooms going unused. But the mentality there needs to change. Would recommend if you are retired, and just want to do nothing and get paid.

Working at NWACC was a challenging and eye-opening experience. While I appreciated the opportunity to be part of an educational institution, my time there was marked by some significant frustrations that left me with mixed feelings.

One of the most disheartening aspects was the apparent shift in priorities. Students, who should be the heart and soul of any academic institution, often felt sidelined. The focus seemed to shift away from their success and well-being, and instead, an emphasis on financial gain took center stage. This shift undermined the institution's mission and left me questioning its commitment to truly serving its students.

Additionally, opportunities for advancement were extremely limited. It often felt like those who were paid the least were expected to shoulder the heaviest responsibilities. This imbalance made it difficult to stay motivated and committed in a role that, while essential, didn’t feel adequately valued or supported.

I hope NWACC takes steps to refocus on its students and recognize the importance of valuing its employees at every level. These changes could create a more supportive, inspiring workplace and ensure that the institution stays true to its mission of helping students achieve success.

Starting in 2022, new head ruined what was left of the culture with their toxic new agenda and expectation of absolute compliance with that agenda.  Those who are good at it took it upon themselves to show what good soldiers they were by going after anyone who did not 'toe the line' on the new agenda. Too many people who work here are stuck on titles and really go after those who don't care about titles.  Apparently, difference of opinion is not tolerated. Work is easy but it is also hard to get anything done since most will claim 'whatever' is not their job or string you along to stall getting something done. Absolutely NO follow through. There is a LOT of stealthy eavesdropping and stringent rules about who can talk to whom. Open door policy is claimed by management but that's just a big joke among the regular employees. Fuels an unhealthy fear (you never know who the tattletale is) From this, whole departments are populated by those who do not have any education/skills for the job. Priority is for those who can play the game best. 

The good: Most of the people are wonderful to work with, vacation time is great, leadership is very understanding about life/family circumstances, management is supportive, many people have opportunities to move up within the college, most employees treat their job as a mission to better the lives of students.
The not-so-good: Often job expectations are unrealistic. The college doesn't pay very much, but many employees find themselves doing work that normally 4-5 people would do. Many tools/solutions are out of date and do not meet the needs of employees/students, there is a lack of coordination/communication between departments/divisions, and progress is slow

I felt like I was put into a position I would fail at when my boss volunteered me to help get over 50 people in 4 different departments paid. 
The director of Health Professions was a bit passive-aggressive rather than being honest and giving constructive criticism. 

I LOVED my job. But I was too sick to continue on. The hardest part was needing to stay organized due to the random things needing to get done. If i had not been so sick, I would have been able to handle it. It was the best job I had ever had.

Very stressful now that they have installed surveillance everywhere. Everyone is looking over their shoulder as the admin staff has audio in addition to video recording.  Management now requires you to ask permission to leave your desk.  I was always asked where I was going and why - even if it was to the restroom.  Salaried employees treated like grade school children.  Work was ok, but the work load was  heavy and no excuses were accepted if you had trouble getting it done.  Be aware if you get hired - constant monitoring - not sure what the VP is afraid of and the accounting system does not work as an accounting system. Very frustrating when trying to do accounting. Turnover is insane. 

What is the best part of working at the company?
Education opportunities for students 

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
Understaffed and workplace systems 

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
Most areas very productive and making a positive impact in the community. Improving the culture, gradually as new administration helping to increase communications-- higher education is bouncing back from C19 and industry changes.

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
Program management to provide for new and existing students

A wonderful workplace, great work environment, and caring individuals who work together as one big family.  It has a culture of respect and professionalism.  

The hardest part of this job is keeping up with all the tracks coming in each year.  We have four nursing tracks.  We admit four times a year and graduate three times a year.  Trying to keep up with the data per track for accreditation purposes is stressful at times.

The most enjoyable aspect of this job is seeing the smiles on the student's faces as they graduate.  They have accomplished their goal.

When I started college at NWACC, I notice that they provided work study program for current student that was under financial aid. When I apply and got hire at Early College Experiences work study (ECE) I really notice that I wanted to work in that field where they help high student enroll college credits while their in high school. My boss and his team were amazing, I never had problem with anyone, that's why I didn't want to leave the work place but I had to because I graduated from NWACC and I heading to Missouri Southern State University to finish my bachelor's degree.

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Sous chef 2 salaries reported	$14.00 per hour
Library assistant 5 salaries reported	$14.00 per hour
Desk attendant 5 salaries reported	$14.00 per hour
Culinary 1 salary reported	$14.00 per hour
Administrative specialist 5 salaries reported	$17.34 per hour

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