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Arizona's public university presidents delivered a unified message about the transformative power of higher education during the Greater Phoenix Chamber's Valley Voices event Wednesday at the Orange Tree Golf Resort. The chamber’s annual gathering on the state of higher education brought together business leaders, educators and policymakers to discuss the critical role of a college degree in shaping Arizona's future and the systemic challenges confronting the state's educational landscape.

The presidents’ conversation echoed the core tenets of the , the ��ݮ��Ƶ’ statewide campaign to expand educational access, drive economic innovation and strengthen Arizona's workforce pipeline. The comprehensive plan is designed to address the state's most pressing educational challenges and establish public higher education as the foundation of statewide progress.

“The annual Valley Voices State of Higher Education dialogue serves as a critical blueprint for Arizona's future,” said Regent Fred DuVal. “Our university presidents and the board's AZ Opportunity initiative share a commitment to transforming higher education into a strategic pathway for state economic prosperity and individual success.”

The discussion — moderated by Jaime Molera, co-founder at Molera Alvarez and former Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction — tackled a range of critical issues. Key topics included the value of higher education, workforce development, funding, student outcomes, policy impacts and aligning programs with Arizona's emerging economic opportunities.

Arizona State University President Michael Crow underscored the broader economic implications, noting Arizona has one of the world’s largest and fastest growing economies. To meet the demands of this rapid growth, Crow said, “We need everyone — business leaders, political leaders, university leaders — to work together toward clear goals.”

Northern Arizona University President José Luis Cruz Rivera directly challenged negative perceptions about higher education's relevance, asserting, “It is undeniable that a college degree will provide a student a better life outcome in overall earnings, happiness, health, mental health, well-being and civic engagement.”

University of Arizona President Suresh Garimella highlighted the institutions' commitment to addressing state needs, focusing on the U of A’s key research areas. “We need to double down and focus on our distinctive strengths — space sciences, health sciences, mining and minerals. We're going to do more for the benefit of Arizona,” Garimella said.

In a call to action, Molera asked each president how the business community could more effectively support higher education. Cruz Rivera emphasized the need for businesses to recognize their stake in Arizona's educational ecosystem. Crow asked the business community to step up in vocal support for the state’s public universities. Garimella advocated for more partnerships in research and innovation, and a greater collective voice for strategic educational investment.

The consensus was clear: Arizona's business leaders have an opportunity to make a significant impact by becoming more active champions for higher education, using their influence to shape policy, support funding and promote collaboration between academia and business.

Jennifer Mellor, Greater Phoenix Chamber’s chief innovative officer, emphasized the connection between education and economic development. “The number one thing businesses always say is ‘we don't have the workforce we need to grow our businesses,’” Mellor said. “These universities are critical partners in creating the talent pipeline that will drive Arizona's economic future. As the business community, we must champion their efforts.”

The presidents also highlighted their universities' advancements to innovate and adapt to changing educational and workforce needs. This includes developing new degree programs, creating more flexible learning pathways and focusing on emerging fields.

The AZ Opportunity initiative provides a framework to enhance these efforts through five key pillars: expanding educational access, addressing health care workforce shortages, driving innovation, funding restoration and developing future-ready campuses.

To learn more about AZ Opportunity and stay informed, visit .