South Georgia State College (SGSC) made a $59.6 million impact to the regional economy and was responsible for more than 622 jobs locally during fiscal year 2021. SGSC’s President Dr. Ingrid Thompson-Sellers shared, “As an economic driver for the communities we serve, it is important to share this information annually and recognize its correlation to the work we do. SGSC always strives to provide students with the education and skills they need to compete and succeed in today’s global economy. From focusing on the needs of the community and creating new opportunities, SGSC is proud to provide positive economic benefits to our regional area.”
Dr. Thompson-Sellers emphasized that with the recent addition of the Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology (BSMET) program to the institution’s academic offerings, SGSC continues to increase its number of baccalaureate degrees in order to develop academic programs to meet the needs of local businesses and industries. Community partnerships are playing a key role in supporting these programs which will be a win-win for the region and the college. SGSC’s academic portfolio now includes Bachelor of Science degrees in Biological Sciences (BSBS), Elementary/Special Education (ELE/SPED), Long-term Healthcare Management (LTHM), Management (BSM), Mechanical Engineering Technology (BSMET), Nursing (BSN) and Public Service Leadership (PSL), as well as the Bachelor of Arts degree in Professional Business and Technical Writing (PBTW). In addition, over 19 pathways in Associate of Art and Associate of Science programs continue to attract those who wish to attend SGSC and graduate in two years.
SGSC’s impact is significant for the region as shown in the study compiled by the Selig Center for Economic Growth at the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business. Students, faculty, staff, alumni and visitors played a role in the more than $59.6 million recorded as SGSC’s economic impact to the service area for fiscal year 2020 (July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2021). This area includes Atkinson, Bacon, Brantley, Clinch, Coffee, Jeff Davis, Pierce and Ware counties. During fiscal year 2021, SGSC’s total employment impact was noted as 622 including on-campus and off-campus jobs that exist due to institution-related spending. The results demonstrate the SGSC creates value from multiple perspectives, including the opportunity for graduates to raise their lifetime earnings and increasing consumer spending in the region while supplying a flow of qualified, trained workers to the area’s workforce.
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 report shows that The University System of Georgia (USG) recorded a statewide economic impact of $19.3 billion for fiscal year 2021, a 3.8 percent increase from fiscal year 2020. The USG also generated 152,629 jobs, either directly or indirectly.
The full economic impact report can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/assets/usg/docs/news_files/USG_FY_2021_Economic_Impact.pdf