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“On behalf of the �¼������ϲ� Board of Regents, I thank Governor Ducey for his leadership over the past seven years. Throughout his tenure he has demonstrated a keen understanding of the inextricable link between higher education and the economy, as well as the essential role of our public universities as both economic engines and problem-solvers.

“The pandemic once again has highlighted the importance of �¼������ϲ� State University, Northern �¼������ϲ� University and the University of �¼������ϲ�. No other single institution could have taken such a broad role in virus research, development of therapeutics and rapid tests, PPE manufacturing, vaccine distribution and more. 

“But COVID-19 is just one challenge in which our public universities are engaged. ASU, NAU and U�¼������ϲ� are confronting the biggest challenges of our time, whether ensuring healthy forests, identifying water efficiencies or developing the next generation of teachers for �¼������ϲ� classrooms. 

“None of this is possible without the continued support of Governor Ducey and the �¼������ϲ� Legislature. Going forward, state leaders are tasked with ensuring �¼������ϲ� is a place of opportunity where all who strive can get ahead. Via �¼������ϲ�’s New Economy Initiative, our public universities are focused on workforce development for �¼������ϲ�’s sectors of strongest growth, including engineering, health care, mining, aerospace and more. And our �¼������ϲ� Promise scholarship covers the cost of tuition and fees for all qualifying in-state students, guaranteeing cost alone is never an obstacle to getting a higher education. Similarly, we’re proud to support Governor Ducey’s call for the state to waive tuition fees for the spouses of �¼������ϲ� service members to attend �¼������ϲ� universities and community colleges. This is an important way we can say ‘thank you’ to these spouses, who’ve served and sacrificed in their own way.

“�¼������ϲ� looks forward to the governor’s executive budget plan later this week, and to collaborating with his office and legislators in the coming months. The shared challenges we face are many; let’s get to work.”