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Athens State
Release Economic Impact Report
ATHENS, Ala. - Athens State
University contributed $183 million to the economy of North Alabama and
surrounding areas in 2010 according to an Economic Impact Report
released by the two-year upper division institution.
The study, undertaken by Professor Bill Wilkes of the College of
Business, states that Athens State ended the year as the seventh largest
employer in Limestone County with 379 employees, including 228 full time
faculty and staff and 151 part time staff and adjunct faculty, and with
an payroll of $22.6 million.
“The cultural and education benefits of a local university are obvious,”
states Vice President for Advancement Rick Mould. “To calculate the
economic impact of Athens State within the community illustrates a true
gage of what the institution offers in tangible assets.”
Wilkes found that the spending by Athens State University employees
created a direct demand for additional goods and services in North
Alabama. An average employment multiplier of 1.8 suggests that every 10
people employed by Athens State create indirect employment opportunities
for 18 additional individuals.
“Athens State University is an essential
resource for North Alabama,” added Mould. “The close proximity of this
educational leader to so many diverse communities is a strong reason why
so many companies and institutions find our area to be the wonderful
place to do business.”
Athens State University, founded in 1822, has a long heritage of
dedication to higher education in the State of Alabama and is the
state’s only two-year, upper division institution. Athens State is an
integral part of The Alabama Community College System and provides
seamless transfer opportunities for students of the state’s Community
and Technical Institutions. Baccalaureate degrees can be earned through
the College of Arts of Sciences, College of Business, and the College of
Education. Classes are offered online as well as in the traditional
format.
To view the full 2010 Economic Impact Report, visit Athens State’s
website at
www.athens.edu.
Contact information for Bill Wilkes:
256-216-5367
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