Savannah State Impacts Local Economy By $128 million


Cheryl Davenport Dozier, Interim President
Cheryl Davenport Dozier, Interim President

In spite of a tough economic climate, a recent study confirms that Savannah State University (SSU) continues to fuel the region’s economic engine, pumping approximately $128 million into the Savannah metropolitan economy during Fiscal Year 2010. The study was conducted by the Selig Center for Economic Growth in the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business.

In addition to the $128 million impact generated by Savannah State University during FY 2010, almost 1,400 full- and part-time jobs are attributed to institutional spending. From among these positions, 464, or 33 percent, are on-campus jobs while 928, or 67 percent, are private- or publicsector jobs.

The report, which quantifies the economic benefits SSU conveys to Chatham, Effingham, Bryan, Liberty and Bulloch counties, shows that $108 million of the $128 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. “This report underscores the important role Savannah State University plays not only in the higher education marketplace, but as an economic engine powering prosperity in Southeast Georgia,” said Cheryl Davenport Dozier, DSW, interim president. “The university is proud to contribute to the economic life and vitality of the region.”

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.

Established in 1890, Savannah State University is on the move to become the best value-added university in the nation.

The university’s 4,100 students are enrolled in 23 undergraduate and five graduate programs in three colleges: Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, Business Administration and Sciences and Technology.


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