Arizona Board of Regents commemorates service of Regent Bill Ridenour, former Regents Karrin Taylor Robson and Justice Kathryn Hackett King

The Arizona Board of Regents paid tribute this week to three champions of public higher education - Regent Bill Ridenour who is completing his term as a regent and former Regents Karrin Taylor Robson and Kathryn Hackett King.

“It is my honor to have served on the board with Regent Ridenour and former Regents Taylor Robson and Hackett King. Their commitment to public higher education in Arizona has made a significant difference for our state and our students,” said Arizona Board of Regents Chair Lyndel Manson.

“I sincerely thank former Regent Taylor Robson for her passion for free speech and civil discourse that resulted in the Regents’ Cup as well as her dedication to redesigning general education curriculum. Former Regent Hackett King proved herself an advocate for students and helped advance priorities that are so important to our state such as increasing educational attainment. And, Regent Ridenour is a consummate champion of students, realizing the many advantages education brought him in life and working to increase access for more students so they too can realize the transformative power of higher education,” she added.

Highlights from each regent’s term include:

• Regent Bill Ridenour, who is completing his term on the board, frequently credits education as the catalyst for the many opportunities he has had in his career. His education began in a one-room schoolhouse in Oatman, Arizona and continued through earning his bachelor’s and law degrees at the University of Arizona. Throughout his professional career, Regent Ridenour worked as a leader in law and higher education, serving countless hours in key roles. During his term as chair of the board, he focused on improving access and affordability for Arizona residents to public higher education. Under his leadership, the board launched the Arizona Teachers Academy, providing tuition coverage for students who agree to teach in Arizona schools. He led the search that brought President Robbins to the University of Arizona. Regent Ridenour served on all of the board’s committees. He chaired the Audit Committee; Academic Affairs and Educational Attainment Committee; and the Regents’ Award Selection Committee. He is dedicated to education throughout the state and has devoted his time to many organizations working on behalf of Arizona’s students. 
• Former Regent Karrin Taylor Robson’s commitment to civil discourse, democratic engagement and civic education are highlights of her service on the board. Her contributions to the redesign of general education curriculum will help prepare students with skills including critical thinking and civic engagement. She served in numerous positions on the board - as secretary and as chair of the Finance, Capital and Resources Committee. She also served as a member of the Audit Committee; Finance, Capital and Resources Committee; Academic Affairs and Educational Attainment Committee; and Research and Health Sciences Committee. Through former Regent Taylor Robson’s leadership and vision, she led the establishment of the Regents’ Cup in 2019 as a signature ABOR event. Student participants are honored for articulating opposing points of view in an environment where competitors remain civil and respectful. For her leadership in establishing the Regents’ Cup, the American Council of Trustees and Alumni honored her with its Excellence in College Trusteeship award. Former Regent Taylor Robson resigned from the board to run for Arizona governor.
• Justice Kathyrn Hackett King is a dedicated public servant who has devoted much of her life to the state of Arizona. She has worked at the highest levels of state government, served students, faculty and staff while on the board and now serves as an Arizona Supreme Court judge. Justice Hackett King resigned from the board after her appointment to the Supreme Court. Her background as an employment and labor attorney coupled with her experience as Gov. Ducey’s former deputy general counsel greatly benefited the state. During her time on the board, she established herself as an advocate for students and helped advance priorities including the New Economy Initiative and increasing educational attainment. She served on numerous board committees - Finance, Capital and Resources Committee; Audit Committee; and Research and Health Sciences Committee. 

“We appreciate the service of Regent Ridenour and former Regents Taylor Robson and Justice Hackett King. Regents serve as the public’s representatives to care for and ensure the success of these marvelous universities. It is a tremendous responsibility and each of these regents more than answered their call to serve. I extend my sincere appreciation to each of these regents for their mentorship, leadership and cherished friendship,” ABOR Executive Director John Arnold said.