The Arizona Board of Regents approved a contract extension Wednesday for University of Arizona President Ann Weaver Hart despite complaints from some major donors who oppose her leadership.
The approval adds an additional year to her multiple-year contract through June 30, 2017.
"The vote indicates that we have confidence in the president. She's on the right track," Regents Chairman Mark Killian said following the board meeting.
Regent Bill Ridenour, who is a UA alum, cast the sole dissenting vote. He said his vote was not an indictment of Hart and added that she is doing a "tremendous job." He felt it was premature, though, to vote on an extension.
The regents also approved a one-year extension Wednesday for Arizona State University President Michael Crow's multiple-year contract through June 30, 2019. Crow has been at ASU since 2002 and has a five-year contract, an unusually long term for a university president.
Hart was hired two years ago to oversee the state's flagship research institution after President Robert Shelton left to take a job overseeing the Fiesta Bowl organization. Hart was the president of Temple University for six years before coming to Arizona.
During her tenure at the UA, Hart has created a new strategic plan called "Never Settle" and put in place money-saving measures. Some of those have been controversial, including cuts to Arizona Public Media, a TV, radio and news unit of UA.
A $13.5 million remodeling of Old Main, the oldest structure on the Tucson campus, also has turned controversial after donations have been slow to materialize.
Philanthropist Stevie Eller is among those who have complained in writing. The UA dance theater is named after her. Her husband, Karl, is the namesake for UA's Eller College of Management.
Killian said the regents listened and heard the concerns. He added that whenever changes are made in institutions, there are people who don't agree.
"We're confident Dr. Hart is working on solutions that will bring everyone back into the fold," he said.
Reach the reporter at 602-444-8072 or anne.ryman@arizonarepublic.com
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