Education Notebook: Local colleges add $700M to midstate economy
Local public colleges and universities contributed about $700 million and more than 8,200 jobs to the region’s economy in the 2010 fiscal year, according to a study released by the University System of Georgia on Tuesday.
During the period between July 1, 2009, and June 30, 2010, the 35 institutions within the University System of Georgia provided a $12.6 billion impact to the state’s economy, according to the report prepared by the Selig Center for Economic Growth at the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business.
The study considered the initial spending of the colleges and universities and looked at the changes in regional output, employment and other factors as a result of that spending. Systemwide, the schools pumped an additional 38 cents into their local economies for every dollar they spent, according to the study.
The economic impact and jobs created on- and off-campus as a result of spending by colleges and universities in the area are:
Fort Valley State University: $141.4 million, 1,784 jobs;
Georgia College & State University: $175.6 million, 2,271 jobs;
Gordon College: $136.3 million, 1,311 jobs;
Macon State College: $162.3 million, 1,789 jobs; and
Middle Georgia College: $84 million, 1,058 jobs.
To see the full report, visit www.icapp.org/pubs/usg_impact_fy2010.pdf.
Dublin student headed to West Point
Dublin resident Cole Torres has received an appointment to the U.S. Military Academy, according to the office of Sen. Johnny Isakson, R-Ga.
Torres is one of 29 Georgia students nominated by the senator who received appointments to attend the country’s military academies. Isakson’s nominees were also accepted into the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and the U.S. Naval Academy. Each will receive full four-year scholarships, along with tuition, books, board and medical and dental care.
“One of my favorite tasks each year is to nominate promising young leaders to our nation’s military academies,” Isakson said in a news release. “This was an extremely competitive year and I congratulate these appointees who will make Georgia and America proud.”
A reception was held for the students and their families at the Georgian Club in Atlanta on Sunday.
Houston BOE approves position changes
The Houston County Board of Education approved three Middle Georgia educators to fill positions in the school district at a special called meeting last week.
Olethia Thomas takes on the role of assistant principal for instruction at Mossy Creek Middle School after serving as the assistant principal at Feagin Mill Middle School.
Thomas succeeds Shawn Carpenter, who is taking over as principal of Perdue Elementary.
Charlie Herron, who has worked in Bibb County for the past four years, was named band director for Northside High School. Outgoing band director Paul Guilbeau is resigning.
Finally, following last week’s vote, Kevin Jernigan was named achievement specialist at Warner Robins High School, a new position. Jernigan has worked in Houston County schools for two years, as well as working in Glynn and DeKalb counties.
Peach school board sets meeting dates
The dates and times for Peach County’s regular school board meetings and study sessions have been set for the 2012 fiscal year, following approval from the school board Tuesday.
The board will continue to hold its regular meetings the first Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. beginning July 5 through the rest of the school year at the district’s central office.
The board will also hold its study sessions the last Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m., except in December, during which it will have no study session.
For a complete listing of approved board meeting times and dates, visit peachschools.org.
Compiled by Telegraph staff writer Andrea Castillo.
This story was originally published June 13, 2011 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Education Notebook: Local colleges add $700M to midstate economy."