In his last meeting as president of the Arizona Board of Regents, Regent Ernest Calderón spoke about the board’s accomplishments over the past year toward 2020 Vision and expressed his gratitude for successes through hard work.
“It has been one of the most demanding years in ABOR history,” said Calderón, “But the burdens we bear are for our system and our students.”
In a letter to the board, Calderón cited achievements during the past year including:
- increased outreach to rural Arizona through university and community college partnerships, NAU-Yavapai and ASU’s College@ASU
- implementation of several 3+1 programs, making baccalaureate degrees more affordable for students
- elevated accountability standards for intercollegiate athletic systems
- expansion of Credit by Examination, with a 31.5 percent increase in CLEP exams accepted and 300 percent increase in International Baccalaureate exams credited
- ASU and NAU acceptance of DANTES Standardized Subject Testing as provided through military service schools
- Arizona higher education movement to a common course numbering system
- centralization of audit and legal functions and sharing of resources between universities in capital projects
- tracking of state high school graduates into higher education through the National Student Clearing House
Calderón commended the board, university presidents and faculty for their efforts in identifying ways to increase access to higher education throughout the state. He credited Robert Bulla and the late A.J. “Jack” Pfister, former members of ABOR, for their guidance and support.
“To lead is an honor, and you have bestowed a great honor on me,” Calderón said.
Regent Anne Mariucci called Calderón a trendsetter, stating that the board had accomplished more last year than any previous year.
“You are the iron man of iron men,” Mariucci said, “And I would like to express our incalculable gratitude.”
Regent Fred DuVal said that strides made were mission-driven, enabling the board to move on to identifying necessary strategic action.
“We couldn’t be reaching for what we are this next year if it weren’t for those accomplishments,” DuVal said.