Riverland Community College has been named one of Southeast Minnesota’s 2026 Best Places to Work, earning recognition among top employers across the region for its strong workplace culture, employee engagement, and organizational excellence.

The award is presented by Workforce Development, Inc. in partnership with regional workforce development boards. Now in its 16th year, the program recognizes organizations that create environments where employees feel valued, supported, and motivated to grow.

Riverland was recognized in the large employer category, which includes organizations with more than 150 employees. The designation is based on a comprehensive employee survey administered by a national consulting firm, measuring areas such as workplace satisfaction, leadership, and overall employee experience. 

At the center of Riverland’s culture is its Heart Statement: “Riverland Community College is committed to serving our students, our employees, and our communities.”

This commitment guides the college’s work and shapes an environment where employees feel connected to purpose, supported in their roles, and empowered to contribute.

“This recognition reflects the people of Riverland and the culture we continue to build together,” said Kat Linaker, Riverland President. “It speaks to how we support one another and stay focused on serving our students and communities every day.”

Riverland joins a select group of employers across Southeast Minnesota’s eleven-county region to receive this distinction. The program not only celebrates top workplaces but also provides organizations with insights to strengthen retention, support employee well-being, and remain competitive in attracting talent. 

The 2026 award recipients were honored at the annual Workforce Development Forum held April 9 at the Rochester International Event Center. The event brought together nearly 250 attendees and featured stories and highlights from award-winning organizations across the region. 

This recognition continues a strong tradition for Riverland, which has been named a Best Place to Work multiple times, including in 2021 and 2024. The consistent recognition underscores the college’s commitment to creating an environment where employees can thrive while advancing student success and community impact.