Source: NC Newsline
North Carolina A&T State University (N.C. A&T) is the largest historically Black college or university (HBCU) in the United States. It is also one of the fastest-growing and most successful universities in the UNC System.
A new study by economists from N.C. A&T found that the university has a statewide economic impact of $2.4 billion. This is a nearly $1 billion increase from the nearly $1.5 billion in economic impact found in a previous study. The effect is comparable to the creation and support of 17,337 jobs.
“While North Carolina A&T’s value to the economy of North Carolina is larger than simply its economic impact, understanding the dollars-and-cents value is an important asset to understanding the university’s value as a whole,” said Cephas Naanwaab, who co-authored the study with fellow A&T economics professor Alfredo Romero.
The study found that the university’s economic impact is driven by a number of factors, including:
- The salaries of N.C. A&T alumni, who are among the highest-paid in the UNC System.
- The spending of N.C. A&T students and visitors, including the annual “Greatest Homecoming on Earth” event.
- The university’s research expenditures, which continue to grow year over year.
- In addition to its economic impact, N.C. A&T is also a major contributor to the state’s workforce. The university graduates more than 6,000 students each year, and its alumni are employed in a wide range of fields, including engineering, healthcare, and business.
N.C. A&T has come a long way in recent years. Fourteen years ago, the university was facing a number of challenges, including low enrollment, poor academic performance, and financial problems. However, under the leadership of Chancellor Harold Martin, the university has made significant progress.
Enrollment at N.C. A&T has more than doubled since Martin took office, and the university’s academic reputation has improved dramatically. In addition, the university has expanded its campus footprint and invested in new research facilities.
“The outcomes measured in this significant new study provide compelling evidence that investments in North Carolina A&T provide outstanding returns for the people of this state.” Chancellor Harold L. Martin Sr said in a statement,
N.C. A&T is a shining example of what can be accomplished when a university is given the resources it needs to succeed. The university is a major asset to the state of North Carolina, and it is poised to continue its growth and success in the years to come.
Read More at NC Newsline
