Governor Katie Hobbs spoke out against the state Senate's refusal to confirm her appointee, Liz Archuleta, to the Arizona Board of Regents, after Archuleta served an entire year in an acting capacity. In a statement, Hobbs expressed dismay, calling the lack of a confirmation hearing "a loss for higher education in Arizona" and criticizing the Senate for what she views as a politically motivated blockade.
Hobbs described Archuleta as "a fiscally conservative and fair-minded public servant and nonprofit leader" who has been pivotal in bringing "accountability and transparency to the Board when it needed it most." The governor outlined Archuleta's contributions to the board, including her role in hiring a new university president and managing the University of Arizona’s fiscal recovery. The governor's statement also pointed out Liz Archuleta's involvement in addressing issues with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and insisted on an end to what she termed "the relentless partisanship and political weaponization of the Senate confirmation process."
Archuleta herself released a statement, reflecting on the refusal to grant her a hearing as a setback but reaffirming her commitment to Arizona's students. She stressed her experience over the past 25 years, emphasizing her ability to bridge divides and her dedication to educational excellence. "It is unfortunate that I have not been granted a hearing to discuss my qualifications to serve as the Regent for Northern Arizona," Archuleta said. "Although this is a very disappointing decision, I will not let this deter me from fighting for Arizona’s students who all deserve a fair, accessible, and stellar education, no matter the political climate," she added, underscoring the significance of strong leadership on the Board of Regents for the state's families and economy.
