ASU Shuts Down Havasu Campus Despite $25.9 Million Savings Surge

Arizona State University (ASU) recently announced plans to close its Havasu campus, despite reporting savings of $25.9 million for the fiscal year 2023-24. This decision has raised questions about its timing and the motivations behind it.

ASU President Michael Crow attributed the impending closure to substantial funding cuts from the Arizona Legislature, which amounted to $24 million. However, the timeline and authority behind this decision remain unclear.

Megan Gilbertson, associate vice president of public affairs for the Arizona Board of Regents, explained that while the board oversees academic locations, decisions on campus management fall to individual university presidents. The Board of Regents had been involved in the establishment of the Havasu campus in the past, though there are no records indicating discussions about its closure.

Gilbertson emphasized that once campuses are established, the board expects university presidents to manage them within the context of their financial parameters. ASU leadership was reportedly briefed on the difficult choices stemming from significant budgetary constraints. Nevertheless, the specifics of these discussions have not been fully disclosed.

ASU officials highlighted the challenges posed by state budget cuts, reiterating that the university remains financially healthy but cannot sustain operations in Havasu without additional state support. The spokesperson for ASU expressed concern regarding the state’s prioritization of higher education funding.

Despite the funding challenges, ASU has previously demonstrated its ability to realize cost savings. A board report issued on September 6 noted that ASU had achieved savings during the current fiscal year and has previously closed other campuses to streamline operations.

The decision to close ASU Havasu has sparked considerable discontent among local stakeholders. Community members, including Kyle Neidermann of the Lake Havasu Unified School District board, voiced their disappointment over the abrupt manner in which the closure was communicated, calling for reconsideration of the decision.

Randy Hartless, Associate Dean for La Paz County, expressed similar sentiments, stating that the closure would diminish educational opportunities in the area and inviting ASU adjunct faculty to consider teaching at Arizona Western College instead. Brad Sale, superintendent of the Parker Unified School District, noted that the closure removes a valuable local option for students seeking affordable higher education while living at home.