Dedication to student success characterizes Regent Shoopman’s term on board

The Arizona Board of Regents paid tribute to Regent Ron Shoopman, a dedicated champion of public higher education, as he nears completion of his eight-year term on the board.   

“Regent Shoopman epitomizes the definition of a true public servant from his years serving in the U.S. Air Force to his work to improve educational attainment in our state,” said ABOR Chair Lyndel Manson. “His focus on collaboration, quality and improving access to the universities made our enterprise better throughout his years of service. I sincerely appreciate and thank Regent Shoopman for his outstanding service and leadership.”  

Strengthening collaboration among the three universities and increasing awareness of the need to increase educational achievement among Arizonans are among the hallmarks of Regent Shoopman’s service on the board.  

During his term as chair, he co-chaired the University of Arizona Presidential Search Committee that ultimately named President Robert Robbins to the position. Under his leadership, the board conducted an independent economic impact study that demonstrated the significant economic benefits of Arizona’s public universities to the state with $11.1 billion in economic impact and 84,000 jobs in fiscal year 2017. He was instrumental in launching a board and university initiative to increase educational attainment and awareness of the value of postsecondary education. 

“Regent Shoopman is an exemplary ambassador for public higher education in Arizona,” said ABOR Executive Director John Arnold. “He is a leader who builds consensus, works for positive change and values diverse ideas. I am personally appreciative of his mentorship and guidance and am inspired by his unwavering service to students and our state.”  

Appointed to the board in 2014 by Gov. Jan Brewer, Regent Shoopman served in leadership roles including as board chair and treasurer. As chair of the Audit, Legislative Affairs, and Finance, Capital and Resources committees, he facilitated in-depth discussions and oversight of numerous initiatives and decisions affecting the university enterprise, including tuition setting, new capital projects and proposed legislation.   

Regent Shoopman is a former General Officer and Wing Commander of the 162nd Fighter Wing, commanding the International F-16 Training Wing for the United States Air Force. He was president and CEO of the Southern Arizona Leadership Council from 2005 to 2018, an organization dedicated to improving education, infrastructure, health care, governance and the innovation economy.  

As one of the driving forces behind the creation of the Southern Arizona Bioscience Roadmap, he helped create a regional plan focusing on the challenges and opportunities for the biosciences in Southern Arizona. He was also instrumental in the formation of Tucson Values Teachers, a partnership of business leaders, educators and individuals with a shared mission to support teachers in Southern Arizona schools.  

Among the organizations he has devoted his time to are representing the board on the Campus Research Corporation Board, serving on the board for the Center for the Future of Arizona, the Making Action Possible Dashboard, the Arizona Bioscience Board and the Bioscience Leadership Council for Southern Arizona. He has served as part of the Leadership Council for the Flinn-Brown Civic Leadership Academy and is past chair of the Arizona Bioscience Roadmap Steering Committee.  

He received numerous Air Force awards, including the Legion of Merit. Other recognition includes the Governor’s 2009 Celebration of Innovation McWhortor Community Service Leader of the Year and the 2012 Tucson Father of the Year.