Gov. Katie Hobbs is scheduled to meet with the Arizona Board of Regents and University of Arizona leadership tomorrow as the school grapples with a $177 million budget shortfall.
The meeting comes after Hobbs criticized the Board of Regents’ oversight of the university’s finances and the leadership of then-board President Fred DuVal.
Hobbs didn’t elaborate on what specifically she will discuss with the board, beyond saying that she is “looking to have a productive conversation and find a path forward to ensure that the university is on track for getting their fiscal house in order and that we can restore public confidence in the regents’ oversight.”
Duval stepped down from his leadership position last week — something Hobbs says she didn’t ask him to do.
“That request did not come from me,” Hobbs said. “I’m looking forward to continued dialogue with the regents and how we can restore the public’s confidence and ensure proper oversight.”
A spokesman for the governor previously said she was exploring whether she has the power to remove regents, but Hobbs said that is no longer the case.
“I’m not looking to do that at this moment,” she said. “Right now, we’re moving forward with the board as it is.”
Ahead of the meeting, the Board of Regents announced that UA President Robert Robbins will take a pay cut as part of cost cutting measures designed to address the university’s budget deficit.
“Based on President Robert Robbins’ request, at its upcoming meeting, the board will schedule an action to reduce President Robbins’ base salary by 10% and eliminate his individual at-risk and multiple year performance compensation,” ABOR Chair Elect Cecilia Mata said in a statement.
Hobbs said that move is a “step in the right direction” but would not comment when asked if Robbins should keep his job — a proposition that has split support amongst lawmakers at the Arizona Capitol.
Hobbs said broader cuts will be needed to address the university’s budget deficit.
