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TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – Gov. Katie Hobbs is calling for clear action to provide relief for the University of Arizona’s financial crisis.
She sent a letter to the Arizona Legislature asking for third-party involvement on the issue.
It’s not hard to read between the lines of Hobbs’ letter to ABOR Chairman Fred Duvall and Executive Director John Arnold.
The governor wants ABOR to present a plan soon with third-party support, or else it will result in changes to both the university and its leadership.
On Thursday, January 25, ABOR announced that it is coming up with a solution to the University of Arizona’s financial challenges. He also said the $240 million shortfall announced last year is closer to $140 million.
But Gov. Hobbs said that’s too little, too late.
“This is no longer just a question of finances. This is a question of accountability, transparency, and ultimately a lack of leadership,” she wrote. “Given recent developments, I no longer have confidence in the process currently in place.”
Hobbs wants a third party to audit the university while reporting to her and ABOR.
She also wants Mr. Arnold to resign from his position as the university’s acting chief financial officer.
“To ensure this does not become a ‘fox guarding the chicken coop’ incident, it is time to bring in an independent third-party consultant,” she wrote.
She wants the university to submit a plan by Feb. 9 and explain by Feb. 20 why the university bought Ashford University last year to become the University of Arizona Global Campus.
“This situation occurred on our watch and we intend to resolve it,” Duvall said in a statement sent to 13 News. “It is natural for the Governor to focus on providing leadership to help higher education institutions best serve their students. We will be announcing more details about the plan next week.” A team of experts will also be involved to provide third-party forensic analysis.”
The university has received the letter and is discussing it, but has not yet made any formal comment.
Mr Hobbs’ full letter to ABOR can be read below.
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