This week, we headed west for The SEANC View podcast, travelling to Cullowhee to interview Western Carolina University Chancellor Kelli Brown and employees. In August, Forbes Magazine named the university the third-best workplace in the nation and the best in North Carolina.

WCU was also the highest-ranked education employer in the nation.

Partnering with market research firm Statista, Forbes surveyed more than 217,000 anonymous employees. Survey respondents were asked to rate their employer based on various factors, including salary, work environment, and other aspects.

We wanted to hear from the employees in Cullowhee just what makes working at WCU so special. They attribute the high ranking to the sense of community, the opportunities for career advancement, and the rewards of seeing their students succeed as reasons they love working there.

Other UNC System schools and state agencies making the list include Appalachian State, UNC-Chapel Hill, N.C. State, Cleveland County Schools, N.C. A&T State University, Cumberland County Schools, UNC Charlotte, and the State of North Carolina, which ranked 100th in the state.