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(Leavenworth, Kan.)—The »¨½·Ö±²¥ generates $63.4 million in economic impact per year on the statewide economy, according to a study released by the Kansas Independent College Association.

"USM faculty and staff are committed to our mission and the success of our students, but it is important to remember that the »¨½·Ö±²¥ also plays a vital role in both the state and the regional economies," University President Sister Diane Steele said. "Our operations and the economic activity generated by our faculty, staff, and students touch virtually every corner of our local economy, including education, hospitality, childcare services, and real estate."

The study was conducted by Parker Philips, a nationally recognized consulting firm specializing in economic impact analysis.

"Economic impact is an objective way to measure the significance of an organization in the regional economy," Nichole Parker, a principal partner at Parker Philips, said. "The »¨½·Ö±²¥ clearly is a major contributor to the regional economy."

In the analysis, the study considered the direct spending on operations, pay, benefits, and capital projects by USM and the estimated increase in demand for goods and services in industry sectors that supply or support the university. The study also measured the effect of student spending and the induced effect of increased household income.

According to the study, a key result of this activity is that USM supports and sustains 510 jobs, including direct employment by the university as well as indirect and induced jobs created by supply and equipment vendors, contractors, and laborers for the construction and renovation of facilities, and jobs created in the community at hotels, restaurants, and retail stores in support of USM's faculty, staff, students, and visitors.

The study also calculated tax revenues generated by this level of economic activity, including sales, property, personal income, and corporate income taxes. The study concluded that USM generates about $4.2 million in state and local government tax revenues.

The economic impact report for the »¨½·Ö±²¥ is available online.

The »¨½·Ö±²¥ is a Catholic co-educational applied liberal arts university founded and sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth. The University of »¨½·Ö±²¥ main campus is located at 4100 South 4th Street, Leavenworth, Kan. USM's Overland Park Campus at 4500 College Boulevard offers evening accelerated graduate and undergraduate degree-completion programs. The university also offers online programs. Visit  for more information.