News release Public Information Office   SLU 10880   Hammond, LA 70402   phone: 985-549-2341   fax: 985-549-2061 publicinfo@selu.edu     www.selu.edu/news Contact: Rene Abadie Date: 9/22/03   SOUTHEASTERN HAS ANNUAL ECONOMIC IMPACT OF $343 MILLION      HAMMOND --  Southeastern Louisiana University has an annual economic impact of more than $343 million on the 25-mile community surrounding the campus, according to an independent study commissioned by the university and released today.       The data, gathered by Applied Technology Research Corporation of Baton Rouge, shows a 37.9 percent increase in economic impact since the last study conducted in 1997. That study, conducted by the same firm, showed a university impact of slightly more than $249 million.       The announcement was made at the grand opening of the new Southeast Louisiana Business Center, a university-sponsored "one-stop-shop" for economic and business development designed to serve the entire region.        "In addition to helping facilitate business development in the region, Southeastern itself is a major economic player that contributes significantly to the quality of life in the area," said university President Randy Moffett.        He said that Southeastern, as one of the area's largest employers with more than 1,700 faculty and staff, serves as a key element contributing to the economic health of the region. On-campus construction, university expenditures and spending by Southeastern's 15,000-plus students and numerous visitors are major contributors to the region's economy.       Lawrence "Buster" McKenzie, president of Applied Technology Research, said the estimated $343,516,575 is based on data collected in the 2001-2002 academic year. The study included data provided by the university regarding costs of personnel, capital improvements and operations, grants and contract awards. Estimates on expenditures made by students, faculty and staff were based on survey data.       McKenzie said he considers the estimate a conservative one, since it was conducted prior to the opening of the university-owned Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts. Located in downtown Hammond, the 900-seat facility serves as the premier performing arts venue in the area, offering nationally acclaimed productions year-round and drawing audiences from throughout the area.       "The return of football at Southeastern this fall is another positive economic factor that has developed since the study was conducted," Moffett added. "We know that the number of visitors to the Hammond area has risen considerably with the start of football, and this certainly contributes to the tourist dollars being expended in our community." The university reinstated a I-AA football program after raising $5.2 million in private funds.        McKenzie explained that student expenditures accounted for the single largest element of the impact study. Rental payments and purchases of food, fuel and other items accounted for 68 percent of the impact, or approximately $233.6 million. Expenditures by faculty and staff accounted for approximately $63.6 million, about 18.5 percent of the impact.       Other sources contributing to the university's impact were university expenditures and construction (5.96 percent), expenditures by retirees (3.49 percent), visitors' expenditures (2.43 percent) and construction by affiliated organizations (1.56 percent).       McKenzie said the single largest area of increase from the previous study was in university construction projects, up 52 percent, and payroll for faculty and staff, which was up 20 percent.       Moffett said major construction projects over the last several years have included Fayard Hall, a new $13 million classroom and lab building; the $10.6 million Pennington Student Activity Center; a new $12.8 million biology building annex; and a $6.8 million expansion of the Teacher Education Center. Southeastern has also constructed new residential facilities and has assumed ownership of the Columbia Theatre following a $5 million renovation project.       "Our legislative delegation has played a key role in helping Southeastern obtain much needed classroom and lab space and other valuable assets that contribute to the growth of the campus and the surrounding communities," Moffett said.        The study solicited comments about Southeastern's quality of life impact from area employers, business and community leaders. McKenzie said the comments were overwhelmingly positive about the university's role and contributions to the area's quality of life.  Return to News Releases