FLAGSTAFF (NAZ Today)– State universities are issuing more bachelor degrees than expected.
The Arizona Board of Regents– the governing body of the three state public universities– announced Thursday that the number of students who are earning bachelor degrees is rising faster than what was predicted in ABOR’s Vision 2020 strategic plan. The plan calls for a 50 percent increase in baccalaureate degrees by 2020 to meet Arizona workplace needs. Northern Arizona University is hosting ABOR today and Friday for their annual two-day conference, this year being held in Flagstaff at the High Country Conference Center
(CLICK TO ENLARGE) The number of students earning bachelor's degrees is increasing ahead of predictions (Courtesy: ABOR)
Arizona university students earned 20,294 bachelor degrees in 2009– up from 18,654 in 2007, a nine percent increase. NAU’s increase was 6.7 percent in 2009, with Arizona State University giving out 10.2 percent more bachelor degrees and the University of Arizona awarding 6.2 percent more degrees.
ABOR President Ernest Calderόn says that the university system is doing a good job increasing the number of degrees given out despite the funding and staffing challenges that have occurred over the past two years.“Amid budget cuts of more than $230 million over the last two years, the fact that the universities have exceeded degree production goals is a testament to the faculty and administration at our universities,” said Calderόn.
Governor Jan Brewer agrees with Calderόn. She says that it is important to keep moving forward despite the funding challenges.”This increase in degree production is good news for Arizona-‐ the key now is sustaining this trend at a time when the state budget continues to be challenged,” said Brewer. “Our state universities must operate efficiently by continuing to develop affordable, predictable and sustainable models of higher education for Arizona families.”
Vision 2020 is a strategic plan that aims to increase the number of baccalaureate degrees earned by students, along with improving Arizona’s economic strength and quality of life, increase demand for higher paying jobs, and make the state nationally competitive in degree production by 2020. According to ABOR data, only one-quarter of Arizonans age 25 and older have a bachelor’s degree or higher.
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To read Vision 2020, visit the Arizona Board of Regents website.
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