Southeastern continues to positively impact jobs and industry
Thursday, April 4, 2024 
by: Tonya Lowentritt
HAMMOND – Southeastern Louisiana University’s economic impact across the region
is more than $1 billion annually, according to a study conducted by Lightcast, a company
that provides colleges and universities with labor market data that help create better
outcomes for students, businesses, and communities. Lightcast measured the economic
impacts created by Southeastern on the business community and the benefits the university
generates in return for the investments made by its key stakeholder groups – students,
taxpayers, and society.
Southeastern employs about 1,429 full-time and part-time faculty and staff, but
the impact on those within the region doesn’t stop there. Through the university’s
activities, 15,564 total jobs are supported and spending by the university’s more
than 13,800 students has an extensive effect on businesses and the local economy to
account for an approximate $19.6 million impact.
“As one of the area’s largest employers, Southeastern’s economic contributions
are beyond measure,” said Southeastern President William S. Wainwright. “This report
on Southeastern’s economic and community impacts illustrates our multi-faceted role
in serving the people who live throughout our region, as we continue to lead the educational,
economic and cultural development of southeast Louisiana.”
Through operations ($144.2 million), research ($2.2 million), construction ($2.3
million), visitor ($2.5 million), and student spending ($19.6 million); spin-off companies
($29.6 million); student and employee volunteerism ($984,600) that helps organizations
to grow; and retention of alumni in the regional workforce ($815.3 million), Southeastern
adds $1 billion to the area economy.
A complete copy of the economic impact report is available online at southeastern.edu/impact.
