Celebrating 20 Years of ASU Havasu: A Journey Through Time

Arizona State University’s venture into Lake Havasu has been a lengthy journey, marked by community efforts and institutional challenges. The timeline reveals significant milestones from initial interest to the recent announcement of closure.

In 2004, a trio of locals, including Conrad “Connie” Blevins, laid the groundwork by forming the Havasu Foundation for Higher Learning to secure a four-year university in the city. This effort was not new; Blevins had envisioned a public university for Lake Havasu since 1989.

By 2010, the Lake Havasu Unified School District faced budget cuts and decided to discontinue Daytona Middle School. The district effectively repurposed the facility, allowing ASU to utilize the site as its campus at no cost while covering utility and maintenance expenses.

A feasibility study conducted in June 2010 indicated substantial interest in the proposed campus, citing that 54% of local high school students were likely to attend, and 8% of Lake Havasu adults showed strong intent to apply.

In February 2011, ASU committed to the campus contingent upon the Havasu Foundation raising $2 million. The university pledged $1.5 million, making the total investment $3.5 million, crucial for renovations and operational costs. This announcement was heralded as a landmark moment for the city.

Later, in September 2011, fundraising efforts culminated when local business owners donated $1 million, surpassing the $2 million target. This financial boost paved the way for the Arizona Board of Regents to grant final approval for the ASU Lake Havasu City Campus on September 22.

Renovation efforts began on October 6, 2011, led by architect Jerry Clark, known for his work on various ASU projects. Staffing efforts commenced shortly after, with the hiring of key faculty members tasked with shaping the inaugural curriculum.

The campus opened its doors on August 23, 2012, with 70 students enrolled, showcasing a diverse student body that included attendees from as far as the East Coast. By 2014, ASU Havasu celebrated its first graduating class, which consisted of eight students.

By August 2015, ASU Havasu transitioned students from temporary housing to newly acquired dormitory facilities. The former Economy Inn was converted into a residence hall capable of accommodating 160 students.

A new nursing program launched in January 2019 aimed at curbing the healthcare worker shortage in Mohave County, aligning with ASU Havasu’s mission to enhance educational opportunities locally.

However, the journey faced a downturn. In September 2024, financial constraints prompted ASU to announce the closure of the Havasu campus, marking a poignant end to this academic endeavor.