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Dr. Michael M. Crow, president of Arizona State University (ASU), Tempe, AZ, has been named the 2024 Brock Prize in Education Innovation Laureate for his significant contributions in the field of education, including his role in reimagining the university as an institution that is both widely accessible and excellent in all measures.

Upon assuming the presidency of ASU in 2002, Michael Crow took this simple yet provocative idea and embarked on a mission to reanimate the purpose of higher education, shaping ASU into what is now known as the New American University. This innovative concept positioned ASU as an egalitarian, public research institution committed to access, inclusion, academic rigor, and positive societal impact.

The New American University model combines design thinking, technological innovation, and the intellectual capital of a top tier research-intensive university to dismantle barriers to education, unlock individual potential, and foster a more just, prosperous, and sustainable society. Key components of this groundbreaking innovation include the cultivation of a culture of continuous innovation, where risk-taking and entrepreneurship are not only encouraged but expected from faculty, staff, and students alike.

ASU Executive Vice President and University Provost, Dr. Nancy Gonzales, nominated Crow for this year’s Prize. “His visionary leadership and innovative approach to higher education have not only transformed ASU but have also inspired institutions worldwide to reimagine what higher education can become,” said Gonzales. “His unwavering commitment to excellence, access, and societal impact makes him an exceptional selection for the Brock Prize in Education Innovation.”

The Brock Prize in Education Innovation, named for Oklahoma natives John and Donnie Brock, is awarded annually, and recognizes individuals who have made a specific innovation or contribution resulting in a significant impact on the practice or understanding of the field of education. The prize is about big ideas that make meaningful change in the way people think and act. Three Oklahoma universities partner in the Brock Prize: Oklahoma State University, The University of Oklahoma, and The University of Tulsa.

“We are very honored and excited that Michael Crow is our 2024 Brock Prize Laureate,” said Brock Prize founder, John A. Brock. “He has creatively demonstrated how educational institutions can successfully adapt and proactively respond to the rapid changes in our society.”

In his first decade as President of ASU, Crow led its pioneering role in advancing online education. In 2008, ASU established ASU Online, a modality that now enrolls nearly 100,000 students annually from around the globe in over 300 fully online degree programs. This innovation, along with initiatives such as Dreamscape Learn, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, Education for Humanity, and successful education partnerships with Uber, StateFarm, and the Starbucks Achievement Plan exemplify ASU’s commitment to forming innovative alliances that expand access to learners traditionally underserved by higher education.

Michael Crow’s commitment to revenue diversification and building university-owned sources of student financial aid has been instrumental in fulfilling ASU’s public charter, irrespective of state investments. This focus on making ASU financially accessible is evidenced by the remarkable demographic shifts within ASU’s student body. Under his tenure, there has been a 282% increase in enrollment for first-year students from families earning less than $60,000 annually, and first-generation students now comprise 35% of the overall student population.

Crow will be formally honored for his selection as the 2024 Brock Prize in Education Innovation Laureate at the annual Brock Prize Symposium at the University of Oklahoma on November 4, 2024, at which he will be the featured speaker. In addition to the monetary award of $50,000, Crow will receive a vellum certificate denoting the honor and a bust of legendary Native American educator Sequoyah. The Prize is endowed through the Brock Family Community Foundation.