ABAC President Mike Vollmer said the study conducted by the Selig Center for Economic Growth in the University of Georgia's Terry College of Business reflects what he has come to realize during his nine months on the job.
"This study reaffirms the vital role higher education plays in a state's economic picture," Vollmer said. "I'm certainly pleased with these figures, and my pledge is that we will continue to have an even greater impact on this region of Georgia in years to come."
In terms of employment, the study showed that the college created 783 total jobs in the area. That included 262 positions at ABAC. The remainder of the jobs resulted from the fact that the college is located here.
The $40.7 million figure represented the second largest impact of any two-year college in Georgia. Georgia Perimeter with several campuses in Atlanta led the way with $164.1 million. ABAC matched the economic impact of Coastal Georgia Community College in Brunswick.
ABAC reached its all-time enrollment high last fall with 2,857 students. These students come from 145 Georgia counties, 23 other states, and 33 countries. Around 750 of the students live on campus.
Under Vollmer's leadership, the college has embarked on an ambitious building program, opening a $2.1 million Environmental Horticulture building last August and breaking ground on a $7.1 million Agricultural Sciences building Saturday. The Red Hill Athletic Center should open next month, and ABAC is on the Regents' list for a $10 million renovation of the three original buildings on campus.
The largest project on the horizon is the $30 million construction of three new residence halls, housing 300 students each. A new nursing education building is also on the drawing board.
The study showed that Georgia's 34 public colleges and universities generated nearly 101,500 jobs and infused $8 billion into local communities. Selig Center Director of Economic Forecasting Jeffrey M. Humphreys said that on the average every dollar spent by a University System of Georgia institution or student injects an additional 56 cents into the host region's economy.
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