The Board’s Promise to Arizona

Increase postsecondary access and attainment for Arizona students; to seek solutions to societal challenges; and to do both while increasing quality, affordability and efficiency.

Mission

The Arizona Board of Regents is committed to ensuring access for qualified residents of Arizona to 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 Arizona Board of Regents 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 Arizona public 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 Arizona and 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 Arizona State Teachers College at Tempe (since 1958 Arizona State University), and Arizona State Teachers College at Flagstaff (since 1966 Northern Arizona University).