Eller Vice Dean Discusses the University of Arizona’s Multibillion-dollar Economic Impact

Stanley Reynolds, vice dean for faculty and research and Eller Professor of Economics, was interviewed on August 27 by Tucson’s ABC affiliate (KGUN) about a recent study of the University of Arizona’s economic impact in the state.

“The University of Arizona has roughly a $2.1 billion per year budget, overall, everything. And one of the bottom line results of this economic impact study was that, that translates to a bigger effect in the state and in the community on the order of this $11.1 billion dollar affect,” said Reynolds.

The study—which evaluates the University’s impact in the areas of research, student, faculty and staff spending—also concludes that the University supports 84,000 jobs across the state. Student, faculty and staff spending alone result in an economic output of $1.5 billion.

“The University provides kind of a focal point for a lot of activities. You know, the contribution of the University to the community, I think it goes way beyond the numbers. There's a lot of synergy between the University and economic development and the growth of the community,” said Reynolds.

Reynolds, who has served as vice dean for two years, joined the Eller College of Management in 1982 after earning his PhD in economics from Northwestern University. His areas of expertise include industrial organization, experimental economics and energy and environmental economics.