Leverage Universities for Growth

Posted by Carol Coletta on August 13, 2009

James Wagner, president of Emory University, makes a compelling case today in the Atlanta Journal Constitution on how universities are key contributors to a city's growth.  He cites their sustained impact, their role as large employers, and their ability to attract, develop and retain talent.

Wagner adds, "And unlike major corporations — or professional sports franchises, as other cities have learned — there’s no risk that Emory University is going to pack up and leave town for greener pastures elsewhere. Our roots are deeply embedded here. Atlanta is our campus.

We’re here — in green times and economic droughts — for the long haul. That’s also true of Georgia Tech, of Georgia State and Kennesaw State, and Agnes Scott, and Morehouse and Spelman and all the other institutions that contribute so much to metro Atlanta’s vitality."

Amen.