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Arizona State University

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Toxic Leadership and Poor Culture – Proceed with Caution - Certified Athletic Trainer Arizona State University Employee Review

1.0
Apr 12, 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Exposure to Division I athletics and high-level sport environments Opportunities to work with talented student-athletes

Cons

The department is plagued by poor leadership at the top, including the head athletic trainer and multiple associate athletic trainers Employee wellbeing is not valued—staff concerns are ignored, and toxic behavior is tolerated or even enabled High turnover, low morale, and burnout are widespread Communication within the department is disjointed and often dismissive Little to no support for professional growth or innovation—ideas and feedback are routinely dismissed The overall culture is broken, with little collaboration or genuine mentorship

Explore other reviews about Arizona State University

5.0
Jun 30, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Good research environment and great teachers

Cons

Long hours working on research

2.0
Jun 29, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Competitive pay for some positions, some great colleagues.

Cons

The "culture" in some non academic departments is incredibly toxic. Employees often see others as competitors and some will try to throw others under the bus to avoid being in trouble from senior leaders. It is slow to get any work done if you need upper admin approval and often time work that you have created and completed is thrown away and never looked at again. Personalities of some administrators is very fake and friendly, when they will cut you with no regard or thoughts. The senior administrators of ASU act in a cult like manner and tightly control many goals, works, etc. You will most often have little to no freedom to accomplish the goals that you know would be best for your department because you spend an inordinate amount of time on projects deemed important to senior leaders, that have little to no impact but padding a report for someone in Fulton. Culture is extremely toxic in many areas, and senior leaders refuse to listen to those serving and trying to provide feedback. There is heavy turnover in many areas, while adminstrators turn a blind eye to it and chalk it up to "normal" turnover. Many mid level managers end up sick, stressed, seeking new employment, or taking FMLA to try to deal with the stress and trauma. You will have little opportunity for advancement unless you move departments regularly, or by hunkering down to be a lackey. Routinely expect last minute requirements and expectations, budget cuts without notice, and little to no professional development or support. Depending on the area you may also deal with difficult students/parents who are not held accountable for their actions.

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