Michael Crow was elected as the 16th president of Arizona State University on July 1, 2002.
Under Michael Crow's leadership, the university has successfully transformed into a top-class American public metropolitan research institution, and Dr. Crow describes this university model, which combines academic excellence, broad demographics, and maximum social impact, as "the New American University." Under Michael Crow's guidance, Arizona State University's approximately 70,000 students pursue learning, research, and creativity focused on major challenges of our time, while utilizing these elements to enhance Arizona's and the nation's quality of life, sustainable growth, and economic competitiveness. Michael Crow has introduced consciousness of sustainability, social integration, and global engagement to Arizona State University, enabling the growth of student diversity.
Under Michael Crow's leadership, the university has established more than a dozen transdisciplinary schools and major research organizations including the Biodesign Institute; Global Institute of Sustainability (GIOS); School of Sustainability incorporated foundation; Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College, and humanities and social sciences research groups.
During Michael Crow's tenure, the university has nearly tripled its research expenditures, achieved unprecedented infrastructure expansion, and announced naming rights to donors including the W. P. Carey School of Business; Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, and Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College.
Before leading Arizona State University, Dr. Crow served as Vice Provost at Columbia University while working as a professor at the School of International and Public Affairs. As Executive Vice Provost of Columbia Research Initiatives, Michael Crow led technology innovation transfer efforts and facilitated the establishment of Columbia Innovation Enterprise (later renamed "Science and Technology Ventures").
Michael Crow also led the development of advanced transdisciplinary programs. Michael Crow played a pivotal role in bringing creativity to the establishment of Columbia University's Earth Institute as a founding director, and in 1998 established the Center for Science, Policy, and Outcomes (CSPO), dedicated to linking science and technology to derive optimal social, economic, and environmental outcomes. In 2003, CSPO was reorganized under Arizona State University and continues research with offices in Phoenix and Washington DC.
Dr. Crow played a leading role in establishing In-Q-Tel, the CIA's venture capital organization, as chairman of the board.
Michael Crow is a member of the National Academy of Public Administration in fields where Michael Crow has expressed views through publications and columns including knowledge enterprise, technology transfer, sustainable development, and analysis and development of science and technology strategy, and is also a member of the Council on Innovation and Entrepreneurship and the Council on Foreign Relations.