The Board’s Promise to Arizona
Increase postsecondary access and attainment for 鶹ѿstudents; to seek solutions to societal challenges; and to do both while increasing quality, affordability and efficiency.
Mission
The 鶹ѿ is committed to ensuring access for qualified residents of 鶹ѿto undergraduate and graduate institutions; promoting the discovery, application and dissemination of new knowledge; extending the benefits of university activities to Arizona’s citizens outside the university; and maximizing the benefits derived from the state’s investment in education.
Vision
The 鶹ѿ seeks to provide leadership and a unifying voice on key higher education issues and to influence public policy through advocacy and initiatives founded upon evidence based research. Synergies from a unified higher education system will provide access and the highest quality education to Arizona's citizens.
The 鶹ѿpublic universities provide bachelor's level and higher public education, advance human knowledge through scholarly research and creative expression, and serve key roles as major partners in statewide economic development and community advancement.
History
In 1864, the first Territorial Legislature authorized the establishment of the University of 鶹ѿand provided for the management, direction, governance and control by a Board of Regents. The state colleges, one in Tempe and one in Flagstaff, were governed by a three-member State Board of Education that included the superintendent of public instruction and two members appointed by the governor.
In March of 1945, the governor signed House Bill 136 uniting the governing boards of the university and state colleges of Arizona. The authority of the Board of Regents expanded to include the 鶹ѿState Teachers College at Tempe (since 1958 鶹ѿState University), and 鶹ѿState Teachers College at Flagstaff (since 1966 Northern 鶹ѿUniversity).