Dr. Michael Robinson: What is the economic impact of Kentucky State University on the city of Frankfort, Kentucky?
Dr. Margery Coulson: The total economic impact of KSU related spending in Frankfort consists of the labor income, KSU, its staff, faculty, and students in the community. The full impact consists of the initial and secondary round of spending known as the Multiplier Effect. Money re-spent. Ripples of economic activities occur when institutions, employees, and students purchase goods or services from other industries. Funding KSU is funding Frankfort. Economic impact studies have proven that the university's return on investment is greater than the amount invested.
Dr. Michael Robinson: What was your takeaway from the article detailing the spending of the former President of Kentucky State University?
Dr. Margery Coulson: I was reading the article.... $73,000 ÷2years =$36,500 ÷ 12 months is only $3,000.00 a month for trips. Far less than the average president spends at a similar-sized HBCU. We cannot allow the media to distress our Kentucky State University.
Dr. Michael Robinson: What do you see as the outcome of the negative comments relative to Kentucky State University?
Dr. Margery Coulson: Those negative voices ARE counterproductive. If the next president does not quickly find a way to educate the media and the public, it will be more of the same. Kentucky State University is an international entity. Its agricultural programs are in six foreign countries; suppose the next president wants to liaise abroad? It will be seen as scandalous and slandering.
Margery Coulson-Clark is a Professor of Public, former Dean of the College of Humanities Business and Society and current Executive Director for University College.at Kentucky State University