SGSC contributes over $71 million to the economy in southeast Georgia
A leader in higher education in the southeast Georgia region, South Georgia State College (SGSC) is strengthening its economic health while providing a substantial return on investment to the students, local community and business partners. A recent study of the University System of Georgia’s (USG) economic impact includes SGSC’s contributions to the local economy as over $71 million during fiscal year 2018, an increase of $2.7 million from the previous year.
SGSC impact demonstrates significance for the region as shown in the study compiled by the Selig Center for Economic Growth at the University System of Georgia’s Terry College of Business. Students, faculty, staff, alumni and visitors played a role in the more than $71 million recorded as the economic impact of the service area for fiscal year 2018 (July, 2017 through June, 2018). This area includes Coffee, Atkinson, Bacon, Jeff Davis, Ware, Pierce, Brantley and Clinch counties. During fiscal year 2017, SGSC’s total employment impact was noted as 816 on-and off-campus jobs.
“At South Georgia State College, we are committed to strengthening the economic health of our region. This is clearly articulated in our strategic plan and we’ve been very intentional in establishing and maintaining community and regional partnerships for educational purposes. Our communities will continue to thrive as SGSC’s educational and economic impact continues to grow,” says Dr. Ingrid Thompson-Sellers, SGSC president.
In addition, SGSC creates value in various other ways. Currently, the college offers 19 pathways leading to Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees. An impressive listing of existing Bachelor of Science degrees in Biological Sciences (BSBS), Management (BSM), and Nursing (BSN) are joined by a Bachelor of Science in Elementary/Special Education and a Bachelor of Science in Long-term Healthcare Management, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Professional Business and Technical Writing. Continuous growth is experienced in the bachelor degree programs as more students choose to remain in the area for the completion of their education before entering the workforce.
The support for the community by the faculty, staff and students remains at an all-time high. More groups are stepping outside of the campus to perform service projects, participate in civic related events and involve educational partners in college activities.
Walda Kight, SGSC vice president of institutional advancement adds, “It’s an exciting time for SGSC, and the latest economic impact figures validate our focus on growth as well as the role our College plays to ensure a healthy, growing economy while preparing the future workforce to serve their employers and our region well.”
The Selig Annual Report is conducted on behalf of the Board of Regents by Jeffrey M. Humphreys, Ph.D., director of the Selig Center for Economic Growth in the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business. The full report is available here: https://www.usg.edu/assets/usg/docs/news_files/USG_Impact_2018.pdf