The University of Texas and The University of Oklahoma recently announced that they would soon be leaving the Big 12 Conference to join the Southeastern Conference. Without Texas and OU, the rest of the conference is undoubtedly facing smaller television deals, lower attendance, and other negative consequences. The result would be reductions in athletic revenue, tourism, and economic benefits for affected communities.
The educational opportunities offered by The University of Texas Permian Basin enhance employment prospects for students and improve the regional workforce and economic development potential. In fulfilling its primary role, UT Permian Basin generates a significant economic stimulus as well as incremental tax receipts. The University provides direct well-paying jobs, engages in major projects, and supports important research. Graduates are essential to the current and future business complex and enhance the competitiveness of the area. These activities contribute to the economy of the local area, region, state, and nation.
Through their joint mission of providing top-quality health care and training for medical professionals, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler (UTHSCT) and UT Health East Texas (UTHET) generate a substantial increase in business activity and benefit the entire region in multiple ways. In addition to providing care for tens of thousands of patients each year, they provide jobs, procure needed goods and services, prepare health professionals (many of whom remain in the area), and conduct meaningful research, resulting in significant economic benefits.
The Galveston National Laboratory (GNL) at the University of Texas Medical Branch is an anchor lab of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health. As part of the Biodefense Laboratory Network, GNL is involved in crucial research to better understand, prevent, and treat dangerous pathogens.
Dr. Perryman takes a look at how this decision will affect jobs in the state.
Over 40+ years and thousands of projects, I have examined pandemics, natural disasters, oil market collapses, financial meltdowns, and all manner of mayhem. One enduring lesson is that nothing – and I do mean NOTHING – gets folks worked up as much as football. I should know better, but, alas, I don't!