With the term of Regent Rick Myers, a local Tucsonan, ending on the Arizona Board of Regents, Arizona Governor Doug Ducey has appointed his former Democratic challenger for governor and past board chairman Fred DuVal to serve an eight-year term on the board.

“[DuVal] is a remarkable leader who brings with him immeasurable higher education experience and knowledge through his long-standing involvement with the University of Arizona,” Ducey said in a press release from his office. “As a champion of both business and community leadership, Fred knows first-hand how to work in a collaborative spirit to increase high-quality affordable post-secondary opportunities and prepare students for our state’s 21st-century workforce.” 

During his previous term on the board from 2006 to 2012, DuVal spearheaded an effort to increase access to public higher education in Arizona by building new pathway programs between Arizona community colleges and universities. 

Previously serving in a time of state budget cuts to higher education, DuVal also sought to slow the increase in tuition rates as well as advocate for financial-aid reform through increased state support based on new effectiveness and performance standards.  

DuVal has had a close relationship with the University of Arizona. DuVal helped found UA’s National Institute for Civil Discourse after the tragic shooting of Congresswomen Gabrielle Giffords and served on the National Advisory Board for the UA Foundation. 

In a tweet welcoming DuVal back to the board, UA President Dr. Robert Robbins wrote, “[DuVal’s] support of the University of Arizona, higher education, and the state of Arizona is undeniable.” 

In a press release from the board of regents, current Chair Ron Shoopman welcomed DuVal back to the board and applauded the bipartisan spirit of his appointment. 

“[DuVal’s] experience as a former regent, his tremendous advocacy for public higher education and his keen policy insight will benefit our universities, our students and the entire state,” Shoopman said. 

DuVal’s appointment signals a continued shift in higher education policy from the state capitol, which may result in further state investment in the coming years after close to a decade of budget cuts. 

“The appointment of DuVal to a second term on the board is a welcome signal from Governor Ducey as he clearly continues to prioritize education in his re-election as governor,” said outgoing regent Myers. “As a visionary of the Arizona Teachers Academy, DuVal understands the crucial importance of a strong public education system in our state from kindergarten through college.” 

In a press release following his appointment, DuVal expressed his gratitude to Ducey and excitement to begin working with the regents and the governor, especially in building up the Arizona Teachers Academy to train and support Arizona’s next generation of teachers through Arizona’s public universities.  

“I look forward to using my previous policy experience as a regent to make a significant impact on our state’s workforce needs and economic development and to make college more affordable for all students,” DuVal said. 

While DuVal’s nomination to the board takes effect immediately, his appointment must be approved by the Arizona State Senate when their legislative session begins in January. 

Follow Randall Eck on Twitter