University presidents urge local leadership to put higher education to work

Arizona's public university presidents encouraged municipal leaders to view higher education as a tool that communities should actively work with as they address local challenges and plan for future growth.

That message was a central theme of a discussion featuring Arizona State University President Michael Crow, Northern Arizona University President José Luis Cruz Rivera and University of Arizona President Suresh Garimella at the Arizona League of Cities and Towns Annual Conference. Moderated by Rene Guillen, executive director of the League of Cities and Towns, the conversation explored the relationship between Arizona's public universities and the cities, towns and regions they support.

The presidents discussed the ways universities contribute beyond the classroom, from workforce development and research to expanding educational opportunity and addressing regional challenges.

Throughout the panel, President Crow emphasized that Arizona's public universities are deeply committed to the state and encouraged local leaders to draw more heavily on university expertise when challenges arise. Cities and towns regularly face difficult issues, President Crow noted, and the universities are well-positioned to help develop solutions.

He also urged leaders to spend more time focused on areas of common interest and challenged the growing narrative that higher education lacks value.

“We need to stop buying into rhetoric that is being advanced by forces that have a special interest that say college is worthless and everything else is valuable,” said President Crow. “We need as many college graduates as we can produce. We need as many technicians as we can produce. We need as few high school dropouts as possible. We need more outcomes and fewer non-outcomes and that’s what the debate should be about.”  

When asked what gives him optimism, President Crow pointed to Arizona's students. He said their aspirations, talent and potential are a powerful reminder of what's possible when people are given the opportunity to develop their abilities and pursue their ambitions.

President Cruz Rivera said higher education is at an important inflection point as universities face growing questions about their role and value. He argued that institutions should look beyond traditional measures of success, focus on their impact in the communities they serve and remain responsive to regional needs by putting their assets to work in support of Arizona's cities and towns.

He also emphasized access and affordability, noting that higher education continues to deliver value for students and families across generations.

“Higher ed has done so much for us. I’ve seen how it has this multi-generational power and I want to make sure that everybody who aspires to that has an opportunity to do so,” said President Cruz Rivera. “There are so many talented, ambitious, high-aspiration students in our communities that deserve a chance to meet their full potential and that’s what the three universities are here for and that’s why we do the work we do.” 

President Garimella discussed the university's responsibility to serve people throughout Arizona, particularly in rural areas that often face challenges related to health care access and other essential services. He highlighted efforts at the U of A aimed at strengthening partnerships in underserved areas, including tribal nations, and emphasized investing in research designed to help address issues affecting Arizona's long-term future.

He also noted the importance of helping students and families better understand that higher education may be more accessible than they may realize. 

“We need to explain the pathways available to students, dual enrollment for example is zero cost approach for them to get college credit while in high school,” said President Garimella. “With the right navigation and some support, every student should get to college and understand it may not be as difficult as it might seem from a distance.” 

While the presidents approached the discussion from different perspectives, each pointed to ways Arizona's public universities are contributing beyond their campuses through research, workforce development, educational access and regional engagement. Together, their remarks highlighted the support higher education can offer in helping Arizona prepare for the future.

To view and download pictures and videos from the panel, click here.