LAKE HAVASU CITY – Lake Havasu City officials had no advance indication of last month’s announcement that Arizona State University intended to close its ASU Lake Havasu campus by next June, citing funding issues. Mayor Cal Sheehy said everyone was caught off-guard.
“It came from out of the blue for everybody. They called me about 9:00 a.m. on Monday (Sept. 23) and they hit “send” to release the media release about 9:06,” Sheehy said. “There was no conversation. That was what was so disconcerting is that we did not have the opportunity to have a conversation about potential outcomes or potential solutions.”
Sheehy said municipal officials and other stakeholders have regrouped to engage the university.
“We’re asking ASU to reconsider their decision,” the Mayor said. “We’re hopeful that we’ll be able to have really positive conversation about the impacts of that decision and see if we can change course and keep ASU open.”
Sheehy said ASU has been a good community partner and helped educate thousands of students at its Lake Havasu campus over the years. He said it’s an asset well worth nurturing and keeping.
Sheey said the campus is centrally located in the community and is well-suited for education, perhaps from a provider other than ASU, if necessary. He said the property could conceivably be transitioned to other use as well.
“Lots of conversations are happening and there isn’t one that we’re focused on yet, but we’re not putting all of our eggs in one basket with just ASU at this point,” he said. “We’re exploring.”
Sheehy said most of the discovery and brainstorming process will take place for a number of reasons. He said once options or a preferred course of action is identified, public engagement is likely.
Dave Hawkins
