|
Date 4-3-06
Contact Chinika Hood 601.266.5568
Hattiesburg—The
University of Southern Mississippi’s College of Science and Technology
has created a profit margin for the state of Mississippi that would
make even the most aggressive stock broker envious.
The College of Science and Technology has managed
to leverage $7 million of state funding into an $86 million impact
for Mississippians according to a 2005 study conducted by the college
and the Center for Community and Economic Development. The report
looked at state-funded operations and outreach programs of the college
to determine the economic return on the Mississippi Legislature’s
appropriation as well as the economic impact of the existing state-funded
facilities.
Research showed that of the $86 million, $65 million
was paid in wages and salaries to approximately 1,500 people, catapulting
the college above the City of Hattiesburg on the Pine Belt’s list
of top ten employers. Overall, the income from these jobs generated
about $3.6 million in state general fund revenue and $350,000 in
local sales taxes.
“A substantial component of this growth activity
takes the form of competitive grants and contracts earned by our
highly qualified and dedicated faculty and staff, said Rex Gandy,
dean of Southern Miss’ College of Science and Technology. “As dean,
I am very proud that the college is effectively using its state
resources. This is indicative of the hard work of our faculty and
staff.”
Since its debut in 1970, the College of Science
and Technology has created world-class programs in polymer science,
marine science and biology, and has been a force in the areas of
research and economic development. It is comprised of nearly 3,000
majors.
| 
