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Oakwood Helps Make Huntsville Strong, Generates $96 Million in Total Economic Impact
 New UNCF Study Confirms that
Oakwood University Contributes to Local and Regional Economies
Oakwood University is an important economic engine in its community, generating substantial economic returns year after year, and a new landmark study commissioned by UNCF (United Negro College Fund) confirms it.
HBCUs Make America Strong: The Positive Economic Impact of Historically Black Colleges and Universities
,
documents the significant economic contributions of
Oakwood University and the nation's network of
HBCUs by quantifying their impact on the economy, employment and increased earning power of their students. The study was underwritten by Citi Foundation and the economic estimates were prepared by the University of Georgia's Selig Center for Economic Growth.
Key findings of the study are below:
Total Economic Impact: $96 Million
- Oakwood University generates $96 million in total economic impact for its local and regional economies. This estimate includes direct spending by Oakwood University on faculty, employees, academic programs and operations-and by students attending the institution, as well as the follow-on effects of that spending.
- Every dollar spent by Oakwood University and its students produces positive economic benefits, generating $1.20 in initial and subsequent spending for its local and regional economies. Communities and regions hoping to foster a more robust and diversified economic climate find HBCU-connected spending a critical component of that effort.
Total Employment Impact: 916 Jobs
- Oakwood University generates 916 jobs for its local and regional economies. Of this total, 389 are on-campus jobs, and 527 are off-campus jobs.
- For each job created on campus, another 1.4 public- and private-sector jobs are created off campus because of Oakwood University-related spending.
- Looked at in a different way: Each $1 million initially spent by Oakwood University and its students creates 11 jobs.
Total Lifetime Earnings for Graduates: $850 Million
- Oakwood University plays a major role in the economic success of its graduates by enhancing their education, training and leadership skills. A college degree opens the door to economic prosperity through greater employment and earnings potential. In fact, the 333 Oakwood University graduates in 2014 can expect total earnings of $850 million over their lifetimes-that's 72 percent more than they could expect to earn without their college credentials.
- Or viewed on an individual basis, an Oakwood University graduate working full time throughout his or her working life can expect to earn $1.1 million in additional income due to a college credential. This estimate reflects incremental earnings averaged across degree and certificate programs.
The presence of Oakwood University in this area means a $96 million boost to the area's economic activity, on-campus, off-campus, and well beyond the campus, contributing to stronger growth and stronger communities.
This study makes clear that while benefits flow to Oakwood University graduates who enter the workforce with sharper skills and vastly enhanced earning prospects, these benefits also flow to the local and regional economies connected to Oakwood University.
"HBCUs like Oakwood University stand out as vibrant institutions in their communities. They create jobs, they increase the economic viability of our cities, they educate and prepare our students for the 21st century through their career pathway programs and they contribute knowledge to the history and culture of their local environments," said President Dr. Leslie Pollard.
"This new report changes the narrative and demonstrates that HBCUs, like Oakwood University are feeding the community's need for a college-educated workforce and driving economic growth,"
said UNCF's President and CEO Dr. Michael Lomax.
"These institutions
have led the way in developing and polishing the practices necessary to get underprepared, first-generation students ready for college,
but they also help fill critical jobs with college-educated workers in the community."
HBCUs have long been bastions of academic achievement. It is clear to see, however, that the value of
Oakwood University
is not solely confined to educational impacts.
HBCUs Make America Strong: The Positive Economic Impact of Historically Black Colleges and Universities
demonstrates that
Oakwood University
matters
not only to its students, but also to the local, regional and national economies.
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Pastoral Evangelism and Leadership Council
by Dr. Jesse Wilson, Director - Pastoral Evangelism and Leadership Council
PELC is one of the world's oldest and largest annual meetings of pastors and leaders in the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
The theme this year is "M:28 Refocus," and will explore the themes and principles found in the Great Commission that can inspire personal and church growth.
Sunday night the speaker will be Pastor Debleaire Snell, from First Church Huntsville, and the world-renown Aeolians of Oakwood University will be the musical guests. On Monday night the special musical guest will be Grammy award winner Smokie Norful.
Workshops and seminars will be held daily. Worship services are at 8:00 am and 7:00 pm and the public is welcome.
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O
akwood Students and North American Division
by Bresean Davidson, intern
 On Sabbath afternoon, December 2, Oakwood students will have the opportunity to participate in a dialogue with Seventh-day Adventist Church leaders from the North American Division.
Beginning at 4:00 p.m. (CST), "Is This Thing On?" will be live streamed for 120-minutes. Students are are encouraged to use the #NADNOW on Facebook and Twitter to have questions answered by Dan Jackson, president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in North America, and Alex Bryant, executive secretary.
Topics range from racism and social justice to church policy and Adventist lifestyle. Students can watch online or as a part of the audience in the Leroy & Lois Peters Media Center. However, organizers are expecting a "standing room only" crowd. The young adult audience featured during the live event will be selected from a group of interested students.
Oakwood alumnus Bryant says, "We look forward to once again engaging our young adults in meaningful dialogue on issues that are important to them in the life of the Church. We need to hear their voices as together we look to position the church to meet the challenge of a growing and diverse world."
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Oakwood Partners with Global Ties Alabama to Host Fulbright Scholars
by Bresean Davidson, intern
 Participants from the U.S. Department of State's Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative will be taking part in an event at Oakwood University, hosted by Global Ties Alabama.
As part of the event ten individual business and social entrepreneurs from Latin America and the Caribbean are travelling to Alabama to build partnerships with local entrepreneurial organizations and companies.
The 80 scholars will gather in the McKee Business and Technology Complex on December 1, 2017, at 9:00 a.m. The talk-show style program will be hosted by David Person and UNCF campaign co-chairs, Larry and Kim Lewis.
The five-week program will introduce the scholars to relevant businesses, non-governmental organizations, and start-ups in the Huntsville area while learning from U.S. counterparts in day-to-day operations. The knowledge they gain will contribute to social and economic development in their communities.
Funding for this program is provided by The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State. Global Ties Alabama is honored to work with Meridian International Center and Atlas Corps and Entrepreneurs. For further information, contact Global Ties Alabama.
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Employee Notes
Oakwood University is happy to announce the addition of two new employees in the Division of Advancement and Development.
Audree Johnson, '99, is returning to Oakwood's radio station, WJOU 90.1 FM, as general manager, after a career that has included television and the insurance business. She is the seventh GM since the station was launched as WOCG in 1979, and returns to her
alma mater's station after two years at WAY-FM, a nationwide network of contemporary Christian stations that has a local affiliate in the Huntsville area. Johnson wants to make sure that the station takes advantage of new opportunities, such as digital broadcasting and podcasting. Her main goal for WJOU is simple, not high-tech. "I want it to be a household name. Even though someone may be listening in Dubai, I want them to be able to say, "That's my station'," she said.
 Gerald L. Kibble, '80, the newly hired manager of Oakwood Memorial Gardens Cemetery, comes to the position with years of experience, having worked with Nelms Funeral Home in Huntsville, and with Angelus Funeral Home in Los Angeles, California. Even though he comes from a family of preachers seeking to save souls, Kibble always knew as a child that he would be the one to prepare their bodies for burial. Kibble, a retired educator and military veteran, is optimistic about the future of Oakwood Memorial Gardens, which has a potential for 3,000 plots. "We're looking to preserve the educational significance of our gardens," he explained. One plan is to create a tour that would highlight the notable persons buried on the grounds. For pre-need and at-need services or consultation, contact Gerald L. Kibble at (256) 726-8278 or [email protected].
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Picture of the Week
 Oakwood University and its Edible Arrangements franchise are represented on Huntsville's 2017 Tinsel Trail, a live Christmas tree event that includes 300 trees decorated by Huntsville businesses, institutions and sponsors.
The Tinsel Trail originated as a project of The Downtown Forty-Seven, an organization established to encourage and support the cultural, aesthetic, social and economic vitality of downtown Huntsville. This year's Tinsel Trail in Big Spring Park opened on November 24, and will close on January 3, 2018.
Strolling through the park to see the trees starts at dusk and ends at midnight, and is always free. For more information, log on to
www.tinseltrail.com.
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About Oakwood
The mission of Oakwood University, a historically black, Seventh-day Adventist institution, is to transform students through biblically-based education for service to God and humanity.
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| 1-844-FRUIT OU
STORE #819
5000 Whitesburg Dr. S, #148 Huntsville, AL 35802 (256) 881-7575 STORE #759 6290 University Blvd. Huntsville, AL 35806 (256) 721-7999 Share Love, Support Students |
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| Click here to see the Summer 2017 issue of Oakwood Magazine or visit www.oakwoodmagazine.com |
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