Study: ASU, Darton economic impact $285 million-plus
UGA study relies on direct, indirect spending, employment
Albany State University’s Fall 2016 enrollment numbers dropped 12.9 percent from last year while Darton State College enrollment fell 24.7 percent, according to a report issued Wednesday by the University System of Georgia. (File Photo)
From Staff Reports
ALBANY — Albany State University and Darton State College had a combined $285 million economic impact on Albany and Southwest Georgia in 2015, according to a study released Tuesday by the University System of Georgia.
The total amount includes direct spending, employment and indirect spending.
“This study demonstrates how important higher education institutions are to the economic vitality of a region,” said ASU President Art Dunning. “There is an undeniable connection between our institutions and Southwest Georgia’s economic development. It is revealed through the transfer of knowledge, jobs at our institutions, employment beyond our campuses, and through our employees and students who are major consumers. That connection will be enhanced as we move forward with consolidation.”
A breakdown of the study shows that the two institutions had a combined employment impact of 3,413 people for a total of $119 million in labor income for the region, as described by the Selig Center for Economic Growth at the University of Georgia. Area counties included in the study were Dougherty, Lee, Worth, Mitchell, Terrell, Colquitt, Baker, Sumter, Calhoun and Tift.
ASU’s total impact was more than $144 million, while Darton’s impact was more than $141 million.
Darton interim President Richard Carvajal shared Dunning’s assessment.
“President Dunning and I have reached out to boards, businesses, communities and groups all over this area to give them the facts about consolidation,” Carvajal said. “This Selig study only serves to strengthen the premise that together, as one, we will have a greater presence, not only in academics and programs, but, also in terms of economic impact.”
The two institutions are working on a consolidation process that is expected to receive final Board of Regents approval in January 2017.
The Selig study indicated that the statewide economic impact of all 31 of Georgia’s higher-education institutions had a $15.5 billion total economic impact on the state.
The complete Economic Impact Study is available at http://www.usg.edu/economic_development/publications/studies online.
Related Articles
Albany police investigate suspicious Sunday death
A 21-year-old Turner Job Corps student who was found unresponsive on Sunday evening was later pronounced dead at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital. The death is under investigation.
James Rubino installed in new role at Marine Corps Logistics Command in Albany
James L. Rubino recently assumed the role as executive deputy of Marine Corps Logistics Command in Albany. In his new role he will oversee integrated logistics support.
Rain depresses voter turnout in Dougherty County
“A lot of people don’t vote when it’s raining. People don’t do a lot of things when it’s raining.”
