Chancellor Smith Presented Mesa College Survey Results
The report revealed widespread employee concerns regarding leadership despite positive sentiment on job meaning.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Administration
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Chancellor Greg Smith recently shared district-wide campus climate findings with Mesa College staff, highlighting both high levels of job fulfillment and significant internal mistrust. While many employees find their work meaningful, the results point to a persistent fear of retaliation.
Why it matters
The chancellor identified a critical disconnect between the administration and staff, citing a lack of trust and approachability as the primary barrier to a healthy workplace culture. This tension persists even as the district maintains a strong financial position.
The survey included 5,284 district-wide participants, with 1,217 students and 252 staff members from Mesa College responding. Additionally, 86% of students reported an absence of racial tension, while 92% of employees identified their work as meaningful.
The players
Greg Smith
He serves as the Chancellor who presented the district-wide campus climate survey results to Mesa College staff.
Mesa College
This institution hosted the forum where campus climate data was presented and discussed.
The details
The climate survey measured key metrics including safety, belonging, and peer relationships across the district. Chancellor Smith noted that employees feel they lack the capacity to deliver on their core purpose due to high workloads and limited state funding.
Timeline
The district reserve was 2% of expenses in 2018-19.
Data collection occurred during the fall of 2025.
Chancellor Smith presented the results at Mesa College on September 17, 2026.
The projected budget cycle for the district covers 2026-27.
Roadmap
The administration's focus on workplace culture follows the financial roadmap set by the 2026-27 district projected budget. This internal assessment marks a departure from purely fiscal monitoring by prioritizing staff retention and leadership trust as core institutional goals.
The results influence the daily environment for students and staff at the college by signaling potential shifts in management approach. Employees and students may see changes in leadership communication as the district attempts to address reported concerns regarding retaliation.
The takeaway
Maintaining a healthy workplace requires addressing internal communication gaps even when an institution is financially secure. Staff members feeling heard and secure from retaliation are essential to sustaining high levels of professional engagement.
Further reading
For more information on institutional management, visit the Administration section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Mesa Press.
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