Updates from the President

Arizona State University President Michael Crow recently joined edX CEO Anant Agarwal to announce the joint launch of the Global Freshman Academy, an unprecedented program that gives learners from around the world the chance to earn freshman-level university credit after completing a series of ASU digital immersion courses. edX is a recognized leader in interactive online education and will host the classes as designed and taught by ASU faculty. This program is the most recent, large-scale initiative created in support of ASU’s institutional commitment to enhancing broad access to quality higher education.

The McCain Institute for International Leadership, a nonpartisan and nonprofit education and research center established by the McCain Family and Arizona State University, hosted its third annual Sedona Forum this spring. This year’s high-level gathering drew the participation of former United Kingdom Prime Minister Tony Blair, entrepreneur Elon Musk, Arizona Cardinals player Larry Fitzgerald, and actress Demi Moore. The agenda examined the tactics of the U.S. and the global democratic community in addressing complex world crises. President Michael Crow provided opening remarks to kick-off the weekend’s panels and conversations.

On May 5, President Michael Crow joined Louis Soares of the American Council on Education, Natasha Stough of Ernst & Young, and Rosemarie Ward of The Economist for a candid, virtual conversation about the need for greater access to higher education and the economic impact of increased college attainment. The panel was the first in a three-part series of exchanges dedicated to the reconceptualization of higher education. Part two of this online series, “Finding Economic Value”, will take place on June 17, with President Crow, Purdue President Mitchell Daniels, and Anne McElvoy of The Economist (sign up).

On May 18, President Michael Crow participated in a thought-provoking conversation hosted by Zócalo Public Square with California Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom and Sacramento Bee publisher Cheryl Dell focused on the current and future challenges facing higher education and the design of 21st century instruction to better meet those trials. Discussion topics included higher education access; the value of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs); and personalized learning. The panel also addressed the significant role of technology in new learning models and the importance of instilling a love of lifelong learning in students entering rapidly changing professional and personal environments.

At the invitation of The Helios Education Foundation, President Michael Crow recently offered remarks at a gathering of education, business and community leaders dedicated to “Arizona’s Economic Imperative: Increasing Latino Degree Attainment”. President Crow outlined the value of a college degree, as well as Arizona’s demographic forecast, before detailing the existing Latino education gap and the economic impact of improving college attainment in the Latino community. President Crow also shared examples of ASU programs and partnerships that expand access, retention and graduation among Latino students. Vince Roig, founding chairman of the Helios Education Foundation, and Paul Luna, Helios President and CEO, joined President Crow in making a plea for greater innovation and collaboration in support of Latino student success.