South Georgia State College (SGSC) made a $62.6 million impact on the regional economy and was responsible for more than 643 jobs locally during fiscal year 2022. SGSC’s Interim President Dr. Greg Tanner shared, “The economic impact study provided by the University System of Georgia Board of Regents is a way to measure the significance of an organization in the regional economy. We share this information to emphasize the critical role South Georgia State College plays in preparing the next generation of employees and community leaders. We are actually sharing what we already knew, that SGSC supports workforce and economic development, adds tax revenue and improves lives through its educational offerings. Not only are we preparing students for the future, but also providing a benefit to today’s economy.”
Dr. Tanner highlighted the investment SGSC has made by offering associate transfer pathways and baccalaureate degrees to meet the needs of local businesses and industries. He said, “The college’s focus has been on developing community partnerships which in turn assist with connecting the program offerings with what is needed in the region. The more educational resources we can provide to our communities, the more we can share in the benefit of a more educated workforce.”
SGSC’s academic portfolio 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). In addition, over 20 pathways in Associate of Arts 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 $62.6 million recorded as SGSC’s economic impact to the service area for fiscal year 2022 (July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2022). This area includes Atkinson, Bacon, Brantley, Clinch, Coffee, Jeff Davis, Pierce and Ware counties. During fiscal year 2022, SGSC’s total employment impact was noted as 643 including on-campus and off-campus jobs that exist due to institution-related spending. The results demonstrate that 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 $20.1 billion for fiscal year 2022, a 4.14 percent increase from the previous year. The USG also generated 159,034 jobs, either directly or indirectly.
As noted in the report, concurrently, Humphreys in a companion study found that USG bachelor’s graduates from the Class of 2022 will earn over $1 million more during their lifetimes than they would have without their college degree.
“USG’s 26 public colleges and universities, individually and collectively, make a significant economic impact across the state, helping to put Georgians to work while spending money in local communities and helping their regional economies support Georgia’s growth,” USG Chancellor Sonny Perdue said. “At the same time, our graduates are the real winners with this million-dollar deal. We’re focused on continuing to help all our students be successful as they use their degrees to prepare themselves for their future prosperity.”
The full economic impact report can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/assets/usg/docs/news_files/USG-Economic_Impact_2022.pdf.