Statement from ABOR Chair on University of Arizona Global Campus Announcement

“The challenges facing public higher education are arguably steeper now than at any point in decades. Universities must adapt quickly in the face of a pandemic that touched every aspect of these institutions, innovate to provide instruction that meets students wherever they are, and think entrepreneurially to meet changing market expectations. 

“With today’s announcement, University of Arizona President Robbins has demonstrated he is thinking big. This partnership by the University of Arizona and its subsequent launch of the University of Arizona Global Campus further empowers the university’s land-grant mission of providing educational opportunity and access to a broader and more diverse population of students. The arrangement also instantly makes the university a significant player in online higher education, and has the potential to create a stable and much-needed additional revenue stream to support Arizona resident student education and university operations.

“President Robbins is delivering on his strategic plan and the board supports his leadership and his goals with the University of Arizona Global Campus. It will be incumbent on President Robbins and the University of Arizona Global Campus leadership to ensure the success of this significant educational opportunity. The board anticipates a public meeting this month to formalize the University of Arizona Global Campus progress report requirements for President Robbins and the leadership team.

“The board believes this opportunity aligns with its promise to Arizona to increase affordable access to quality education at Arizona’s public universities, as well as its commitment to innovation and entrepreneurialism which makes Arizona’s public universities among the best in the world.”

A land-grant university is an institution designated to receive the benefits of the Morrill Acts of 1862 and 1890. At UArizona, the land-grant legacy emphasizes educational access, research and outreach.