Application of the modified organic benchmarks model in assessing performance of university endowment portfolios

This paper investigates the performance of university endowments using a modified version of Tiu’s (2017) organic benchmarks model based on panel regressions. The exercise is to ensure that endowments keep adjusting to align with the university goals of enhancing teaching, research, and community engagement. The empirical results show that, whether using pooled ordinary least squares (OLS), fixed effect, random effects, or fixed effect period seemingly unrelated regression (SUR), all panel regression coefficients are positive and statistically significant at all levels for all variables as reported in the university or endowment characteristics or the intertemporal endowments or intertemporal enrolment, and the size of the endowment. The research outcomes substantiate the premise that university endowment funds should concentrate on increasing their endowments size and enhancing their student enrolment, and consequently helping institutions keep adjusting to align with the university goals of enhancing teaching, research, and community engagement.