Senate committee backs Lee David Stein for Arizona Board of Regents

The Senate Education and Transportation Committee on Oct. 12 recommended the full Senate confirm Lee David Stein to the Arizona Board of Regents after a brief hearing and committee questions.

The nomination matters because the Arizona Board of Regents governs the state's three public universities'Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University and the University of Arizona'and sets policy that affects tuition, academic programs and university governance. Stein told the committee he would focus on holding university presidents accountable and on increasing access to higher education for Arizona students.

Committee staff introduced the nomination and described the Board of Regents as a 12-member board "constitutionally established" to govern the public university system. Lee David Stein, who said he has served on the board since August, told senators he would, if confirmed, serve out the remainder of the term through January 2028. Stein said he is a native Arizonan, a lawyer by training and that he hopes his habit of asking detailed questions will help the board "stay focused on our core mission of educating the workforce Arizona desperately needs."

When Chairman Farnsworth asked what could be done about rising tuition, Stein said, "I agree with you. I think that the tuition is too high. And we have to find a way to bring tuition down, so that we can educate as many Arizona students as we possibly can." He added he had been discussing the issue with board staff and the governor's office and that reducing tuition would "have to be a priority."

A committee motion to recommend Stein's confirmation to the full Senate was made by the vice chair and the secretary called the roll. The committee recorded the motion as recommended to the full Senate.

Stein also described personal ties to Arizona higher education, recalling attending the University of Arizona for undergraduate work and Arizona State University for law school. He noted the state connection and said public service is important to him and his family.

The committee hearing included short questions from several senators about Stein's experience and his priorities; Stein said the board has been "extremely collaborative" and that addressing funding and other complicated issues remains work in progress.

The committee's recommendation advances the nomination to the full Senate for final confirmation.