Arizona Board of Regents appoints new executive director

(The Center Square) – Chad Sampson will be the new Executive Director for the Arizona Board of Regents.

Sampson has been serving in the position in an interim capacity since March, when John Arnold stepped aside in order to focus on the University of Arizona’s $177 million budget shortfall as their chief financial officer. However, Sampson, an attorney, has served on the board in different roles since 2010. The deficit has since been projected to be down to $52 million after major spending slashes, according to Higher Ed Dive .

“I am deeply honored for the opportunity to serve the state of Arizona and the board in this leadership role,” Sampson shared. “I am confident that, in collaboration with the regents, university presidents, faculty and staff, we can continue to enhance higher education for Arizona's students and families, ensuring a bright future for our state."

The University of Arizona’s budget crisis created a shakeup that impacted far more than Arnold. University President Robert Robbins said he would be stepping down once a replacement for him is found, and Fred DuVal remains on the board but left his role as chair, which Cecilia Mata took over.

“For more than a decade, Mr. Sampson has been a trusted leader for the board, providing legal counsel and oversight in academic affairs, institutional analysis and more,” Mata said in a statement on Sampson. “Since stepping into an interim role, he has engaged with skillful leadership focused on strategic governance, accountability and transparency. His extensive experience in higher education, combined with his deep commitment to serving Arizona’s students and families, will be invaluable as we move forward.”

According to public documents , Sampson will be paid $320,000 annually for the job.

Sampson’s promotion was the second major announcement made by ABOR on Wednesday, as the search committee for UoA’s presidential candidates is now in the interview stage. The names being floated are not currently public unless the candidate agrees to an interview.

“Over the last five months, the U of A Presidential Search Advisory Committee listened to campus and community feedback, finalized the profile and qualities for the 23rd president of U of A, and vetted all prospects using those leadership characteristics as its guide,” a news release from ABOR stated Wednesday.

The board's role is to provide oversight on the state's three public universities: the University of Arizona, Northern Arizona University and Arizona State University.

Gov. Katie Hobbs appointed attorney Lee Stein to the board on Tuesday.