Savannah State University News July 2012 SSU impacts local economy SAVANNAH - An annual study of the economic impacts of University System of Georgia (USG) institutions confirms that Savannah State University (SSU) continues to be a major force in the local economy, pumping approximately $139 million into the Savannah metropolitan area during fiscal year 2011. The study, conducted by the Selig Center for Economic Growth at the University of Georgia's Terry College of Business, was released today. The report updates similar studies conducted on behalf of the Intellectual Capital Partnership Program (ICAPP), an initiative of the USG Board of Regents' Office of Economic Development. The $139 million output impact represents an $11 million increase from the FY 2010 report, due in part to growing student enrollment and higher student spending. In addition to the $139 million impact generated by Savannah State during FY 2011, more than 1,460 full- and part-time jobs are attributed to institutional spending. Of those, approximately 980 are off-campus positions. The report, which quantifies the economic benefits SSU conveys to Chatham, Effingham, Bryan, Liberty and Bulloch counties, also shows that $117 million of the $139 million in total economic impact was due to initial spending by Savannah State for salaries and fringe benefits; operating supplies and expenses, and other budgeted expenditures; as well as spending by students, which increased by approximately $4 million from FY 2010 to FY 2011. "Savannah State University is committed to engaging and serving the residents of Savannah and all of Southeast Georgia with distinction," said SSU President Cheryl D. Dozier. "This study shows that SSU is meeting its responsibility not only as an important member of the regional higher education community, but also as a powerful engine in the local economy." The Selig Center's research, however, only highlights a portion of the true impact of Savannah State University on the community. It neither quantifies the many long-term benefits that a higher-education institution and its outreach and service units impart to its host community's economic development, nor does it measure intangible benefits, such as cultural opportunities, intellectual stimulation and volunteer work to local residents. Spending by retirees who still live in the host communities and by visitors, such as those attending conferences or athletic events, also is not measured. Overall, the report revealed the 35 USG institutions had an economic impact totaling $13.2 billion. To download the Selig Center's FY 2011 report, go to http://www.usg.edu/news/release/economic_impact_of_university_system_reaches_13.2_billion. Established in 1890, Savannah State University is the oldest public historically black college or university in Georgia and the oldest institution of higher learning in the city of Savannah. The university's 4,500 students select majors from 25 undergraduate and five graduate programs in the School of Teacher Education and three colleges: Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, Business Administration and Sciences and Technology. SANDRA M. PHOENIX Executive Director HBCU Library Alliance sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org> www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org> 800-999-8558, ext. 4820 404-520-0593 Skype: sandra.phoenix1 1438 West Peachtree NW Suite 200 Atlanta,GA 30309 Toll Free: 1.800.999.8558 (LYRASIS) Fax: 404.892.7879 www.lyrasis.org<http://www.lyrasis.org> Honor the ancestors, honor the children. Register now http://www.hbculibraries.org/html/2012meeting-form.html for the October 21-23, 2012 HBCU Library Alliance 5th Membership Meeting and the Photographic Preservation Pre-Conference in New Orleans, LA. The Pre-Conference and Membership meeting are open to directors and other librarians.