����TV����

At its board meeting today, the ����TV���� recognized the leadership of Chair Cecilia Mata who will be concluding her leadership term at the end of the month, ending a tenure marked by significant progress and innovation. The board also recognized the dedicated service of Regent David Zaragoza, a student regent who concludes his two-year term this month as well. 

Under Chair Mata’s leadership, ABOR has achieved numerous notable milestones. With a clear vision and firm commitment to student success, she championed strategic decisions that fostered meaningful growth across Arizona’s public universities. 

She oversaw the strengthening of board governance, implementing measures to enhance transparency and accountability at Arizona's public universities. This included reforms to ensure more effective oversight and strategic planning.  

She launched the Military, Aerospace and Defense Initiative, a transformative program aimed at bolstering Arizona's position in these critical sectors. This initiative is expected to drive economic growth, create new opportunities for students and faculty, and further establish Arizona as a leader in defense and aerospace innovation. 

Chair Mata's commitment to increasing FAFSA completion rates has been instrumental in driving record-breaking enrollment across Arizona’s public universities. Her focus on expanding access and success for Latino and Hispanic students has reinforced the board's commitment to making higher education accessible to all. Through targeted programs and partnerships, ABOR has worked to remove barriers to college for underrepresented communities, resulting in increased enrollment and graduation rates among these groups. 

The board successfully navigated the University of Arizona through a period of financial challenge during her term, culminating in the appointment of a new president. This transition has set the stage for renewed growth and stability at the institution.  

“Chair Mata’s leadership has been exemplary, and I am sincerely grateful for her mentorship and steady presence as I began my role as executive director,” said ABOR Executive Director Chad Sampson. “Her personal career journey is inspirational, and I’ve benefitted from her insight, candor and experience.  Her unwavering commitment to students and our institutions has been an incredible source of guidance. I look forward to our continued work together with great respect and appreciation.” 

Mata led the appointment of Sampson as the new ABOR executive director, bringing fresh leadership to the board's operations. Under their guidance, ABOR initiated , a strategic plan aimed at investing in higher education, workforce development and innovation to strengthen Arizona's economy. This comprehensive plan is designed to enhance the state's competitiveness, drive economic growth and improve the quality of life for Arizonans. 

The board also introduced numerous Regents' Grants under Mata’s leadership, pairing university research with state agencies to address pressing challenges and foster collaboration and innovation. These grants have supported projects ranging from health care and education to environmental sustainability and public safety.  

Regent Mata assumed the role of chair in March 2024 and at the conclusion of her term on June 30, she will transition into the role of treasurer of the board. Her eight-year term as regent continues through August 2028. Elected by the regents to succeed her, Regent Doug Goodyear will begin his term as chair on July 1. 

“Chair Mata stepped up and provided stability when this university system needed it,” Goodyear said. “The full board is grateful for her service and lasting contributions. I look forward to building on the strong foundation of progress and innovation she helped establish at Arizona's public universities.” 

Today, the board also celebrated the service of outgoing Student Regent Zaragoza.   

During his two-year tenure, Zaragoza has been actively engaged in various board initiatives, including the Mental Health Workgroup alongside fellow Student Regent Jadyn Fisher. This workgroup has been instrumental in promoting student well-being, basic needs and addressing mental health concerns across Arizona's public universities. Through campus-wide listening sessions, Zaragoza has helped gather valuable insights and feedback from students, ensuring that their and needs are addressed. He also continued the student regents’ efforts to advance awareness of and advocacy for student food and housing insecurity. 

Zaragoza, who recently graduated from Arizona State University with an engineering degree, has been a strong advocate for underrepresented students in Arizona. From rural communities to Hispanic and Latino populations, he’s been committed to making a college education more accessible to all. Zaragoza recently and , emphasizing the power of education. 

“Regent Zaragoza has brought heart, purpose, and powerful lived experience to the board during his term as student regent,” said Sampson. “He’s been a tireless advocate for students and his voice has shaped important conversations around mental health, basic needs and student success. David leads with humility and conviction, and I know his future will be as impactful as his time with ABOR has been. We are deeply grateful for his service.” 

Zaragoza's term will also conclude on June 30, and Fisher, entering her senior year at Northern Arizona University, will take over as voting student regent.