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.
  

MISSION

The Arizona Board of Regents is committed to:

•  ensuring access for qualified residents of Arizona to undergraduate and graduate instruction;

• 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.

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).

Regents - 1885 to Current

Membership

The Board consists of a total of twelve members: eleven voting and one non-voting.  This includes the Governor and Superintendent of Public Instruction as ex-officio members, each serving while they hold office, and two Student Regents.

Student Regents serve staggered two-year terms, the first year as a non-voting member of the Board.

Except for ex-officio members and Student Regents, the term of a Regent lasts for eight years.  Every two years, two Regents finish their 8-year term, and two new Regents are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate.