Regents Chief: New Funding Model Needed for Universities

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Eileen Klein, president of the Arizona Board of Regents.

AZPM Staff

The way the state funds its three public universities could change in the coming years, the president of the Arizona Board of Regents says.

The Legislature has for many years allocated money to the universities based on how many students are enrolled at each institution, among other factors.

But Eileen Klein, president of the Board of Regents, which governs the universities, said in an interview she is asking legislators to move to a more results-based model of funding.

Instead of receiving money based on the number of students who walk through their doors, Klein said, she wants funding to be based on the number of students who graduate and move into the workforce and on the amount of research being conducted at each university.

"The point is to be very vigilant about how we’re repositioning this university system," Klein said. "We know this is a key strategic asset for the state, and we want to make sure that we are prepared to deliver both the graduates and the technological advances that our state needs to be strong in the future."

Klein said she hopes to start conversations about a new funding model with legislators and Gov.-Elect Doug Ducey when they take office in January. As governor, Ducey will be an ex-officio member of the Board of Regents.