The home of the ASU Sun Devils has been nationally recognized as a leader and example-setter when it comes to fostering financial and social growth across all demographics, and ASU is also well-known for forging lasting, profitable and actionable partnerships with local businesses.
The Association of Public and Land-Grant (APLU) was founded in 1887 and it currently works with the United States, Mexico and Canada to improve school campuses. APLU-assisted colleges and universities are attended by over 6 million students, while faculty numbers hover around 1.5 million at any given time. APLU currently works with over 230 college campuses and universities, including 23 institutions that consist of a predominantly black student body. Only 54 schools in the nation, however, have the APLU “Innovation and Economic Prosperity” award.
The mission of the APLU is to provide public recognition for public universities that work with organizations in both the public and private sectors to support economic development. ASU is renowned for its work in the field of technological advancement, and it specializes in the development of entrepreneurship skills, talent discovery, innovation progression, self-sustainable communities, and workforce development. Graduation rates for minorities have been climbing and the Sun Devils also work hand-in-hand with the Mayo Clinic and the City of Phoenix.
Many educational institutions were chosen to be analyzed for this prestigious title, but the APLU chose Arizona State University was selected for its efficiency, transparency, generosity, and its savvy and widespread financial engagements.
Some ASU advisors seem surprised about the award, but not completely shocked. Senior Economic Development for ASU Knowledge Enterprise Development Todd Hardy said, “Inclusion on this list…will only strengthen our ability to advance the social, economic, cultural and overall well-being of the communities we serve.”
It seems as though ASU will continue to thrive in the areas of community development and technological innovation. Their cutting-edge research and valuable breakthroughs could undoubtedly improve the lives of many people at home and abroad, and it seems that the folks at the Association of Public and Land-Grant agree.
