LAWRENCEVILLE, Va (WTVR) - While accreditation means St Paul's College will keep its doors open for students pursuing higher education, it also has positive implications for the town of Lawrenceville.
In fact, the last full payroll for the college was in excess of $2 million.
"Some of that money is bound to be spent in Lawrenceville and that's not even including the kids," said Lawrenceville Mayor Doug Pond.
When the college was in danger of shuttering when it lost accreditation, many in the town realized just how vital the college is to the local economy. That's especially true in regards to students and the money they spend.
Now with the college re-accredited, many in town are anxious for the students to return.
Approximately 200 are expected back on campus in early October to complete the fall semester. The college anticipates doubling that number by the next new school year.
For local businesses, accreditation means with the return of students and the college returning to full staff capacity, a third of their business will return as well.
Both the college and town said they will work closer together in the future, to make sure the chance of the doors closing never happens again.
