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“I appreciate the Governor’s remarks today in his seventh State of the State address. I join Gov. Ducey in his condemnation of the violence and vandalism at our nation’s capitol and believe �¼������ϲ�, with our innovative and trailblazing spirit, will help bind the nation’s wounds.

“Over the past year, the COVID-19 pandemic has challenged our state in ways not seen during our lifetime. But this public health and economic crisis has also brought out the best in �¼������ϲ� – shining a light on outstanding individuals and essential institutions working to tackle the virus, save lives and keep our economy moving forward.

“High on that list are �¼������ϲ�’s three public universities: �¼������ϲ� State University, Northern �¼������ϲ� University and the University of �¼������ϲ�. We are grateful to Gov. Ducey for his ongoing recognition of the outsized role these institutions have played in this effort, including the manufacture of personal protective equipment (PPE); rapid-result testing; research and development of treatments and therapeutics; assistance with vaccine storage and distribution; and more.

“I appreciate Gov. Ducey’s recognition of the disruption the pandemic has caused to all �¼������ϲ� students, and the work of all our teachers – from preschool to university – who have done their heroic best to advance learning for our children. Moving forward, our public universities remain vital in leading �¼������ϲ�’s post-pandemic recovery, and with the continued support of the Governor and lawmakers, we can raise the opportunity for all �¼������ϲ� citizens. The board’s New Economy Initiative addresses increased educational attainment through the �¼������ϲ� Promise Scholarship. It increases the educated workforce that 21st century businesses want, and the �¼������ϲ� Teachers Academy will grow our state’s next generation of classroom teachers. Additionally, we appreciate the Project Rocket initiative and its aim to bolster striving K-12 public schools in underserved communities. With programs like these and others, and the continued commitment of �¼������ϲ� public universities, we can make good on �¼������ϲ�’s promise to make a quality education available to every family.

“When we leave this traumatic chapter of our lives behind, �¼������ϲ� will emerge stronger and more unified for what we have faced together. ASU, NAU and U�¼������ϲ� will be there – leading for economic recovery, fostering innovation and helping to solve the challenges of our state. Resilient – for the future of �¼������ϲ�.”