| NEWS RELEASE |
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
Contact: Eric Gerber |
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Chancellor Jay Gogue, Noted Economist Barton Smith Presenting New Study University of Houston System Chancellor Jay Gogue and noted economist Barton Smith will present the results of an extensive new study analyzing the university system’s impact on the Houston economy and community at 7 a.m., Wednesday, May 17, at the Four Seasons Hotel. The presentation will be made at a by-invitation breakfast event attended by approximately 300 community leaders. City of Houston Mayor Bill White will offer opening remarks. The 200-plus page report was researched and compiled by Smith, an economics professor and director of the Institute for Regional Forecasting at the University of Houston. During the past 15 years, Smith has conducted numerous studies in urban issues, housing, transportation and the environment, gaining recognition for his cogent analyses of local, state and national conditions. His twice-yearly conferences reporting on Houston’s economic status are sold-out events considered by many as the definitive statement on the subject. Smith’s new study, which details the UH System’s $3 billion annual financial impact and the extent of its community outreach and partnerships, was commissioned by Chancellor Gogue. “It’s important that everyone understands the role that our four universities play in this community,” Gogue said. “Frankly, that’s often taken for granted. This study clearly spells out the considerable impact we’re having. But beyond the impressive numbers, we’re also talking about the perception. The value of a university isn’t a sum total of academics and research alone. Value is perceived. So we’re focusing on making sure the perceptions are accurate. Sharing this study allows us to do that.” While Smith found the results of this study gratifying, his analysis also found cause for concern. “The study shows that no more than a handful of institutions of any type, public or private, are more important to Houston, its economy and its future prosperity than the UH System,” he said. “However, this study also indicates Houston is surprisingly below standard in higher education attainment, lagging behind such cities as Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Denver and Seattle.” In addition to the study, Chancellor Gogue will reveal a new long-range master plan for UH that will allow the campus to double the square footage of its buildings, double the percentage of students living on campus and increase overall enrollment to 45,000 from the current 35,000.
For more information about the UH System, visit http://www.uhsa.uh.edu/. For more information about UH visit the university’s ‘Newsroom’ at www.uh.edu/admin/media/newsroom. |
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