University of Arizona President Suresh Garimella and senior members of his leadership team spent two days in Yavapai County meeting with community and local government leaders, touring university facilities, and reinforcing the institution's land-grant mission of service in every corner of the state. 

The visit underscored the university's role throughout Arizona, advancing success for every student, research that shapes the future, and engagement with communities to create opportunity.

A mission across Arizona

After arriving at the University of Arizona in October 2024, one of Garimella's first trips was to Yuma, which he has described as an awe-inspiring experience. “I thought it was critical to see firsthand the work we do to support Arizona’s agricultural innovation and community well-being through Cooperative Extension, the Arizona Experiment Station, and public-private partnerships like the Yuma Center of Excellence for Desert Agriculture,” he said of the trip. 

That same land-grant commitment drove his visit to the Verde Valley and Prescott, which included stops at the V Bar V Ranch, Cracchiolo DK Ranch, and Yavapai County Cooperative Extension.

"As the state’s land-grant university, we engage our fellow Arizonans in the communities where they live and work," Garimella said. "It’s vital that we listen throughout the state, take our cues from what we learn, and strengthen partnerships that create opportunities for students, fuel economic development, and uplift our state."

Image

The trip also included an alumni reception at the historic Hassayampa Inn, as well as a meeting with Yavapai County supervisors and Prescott City Council members. Garimella was accompanied by Michael Staten, interim dean of the College of Agriculture, Life and Environmental Sciences; Dr. Julie Funk, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine; Chief Facilities and Planning Officer Josh Wright; Chief Government Relations Officer Steve Voeller; Cooperative Extension Director Ed Martin; and Brett Blum, interim director of the Arizona Experiment Station and director of the Southern Arizona Experiment Station.

Ranches as 'living laboratories'

At the V Bar V Ranch, Blum provided an overview of the station's history and programs, including its 125-head cattle herd, which supports research in livestock genetics and adaptive grazing management. He highlighted the use of virtual fencing technology to manage the herd across the ranch's diverse landscape, a practice that demonstrates how innovation can improve efficiency while conserving natural resources.

"These ranches are living laboratories," Blum said. "The experiment station network generates scientific research directly in Arizona's diverse landscapes, ensuring discoveries are rooted in the realities of our environment. Our work directly benefits ranchers and land managers while training the next generation of scientists and agricultural leaders."

Cooperative Extension: A century of impact

Image

Garimella's visit also highlighted the enduring role of Cooperative Extension, the university's community-based engagement arm, which has served the state for more than a century. Cooperative Extension delivers science-based education and programming in every county, supported by more than $15 million in state funding this fiscal year, 2026. 

The value of this investment goes beyond programmatic outcomes. According to a 2022 economic development analysis done for the university by TEConomy Partners, LLC, Cooperative Extension generates a return of $4.87 for every state dollar.

"Cooperative Extension is a force multiplier for Arizona," said Matt Halldorson, Yavapai County Extension Director. "From helping ranchers save water and increase yields to providing nutrition education, early childhood programs, and leadership training for youth, Extension improves lives every day."

Yavapai County Cooperative Extension has seen significant growth, nearly tripling 4-H enrollment since 2022 and delivering expanded offerings in science, technology, engineering and math topics, as well as livestock programming. Volunteers contributed nearly 18,000 hours of service last year, expanding the reach of faculty and staff.

Engaging local leaders

Discussions with the Yavapai County supervisors and Prescott City Council members centered on workforce development, healthcare and opportunities to align university research with local priorities. There was consensus among the group about the importance of university partnerships for regional growth.

"The University of Arizona has been a consistent partner in Yavapai County," said Yavapai County Manager Maury Thompson. "We appreciate the president's commitment to listening and working with local leaders on issues that matter to our residents."

Alumni and community connections

The alumni reception at the Hassayampa Inn drew alumni, donors, elected officials and community leaders. Garimella detailed the university's strategic imperatives and shared a personal story that reinforced his deep belief in the land-grant tradition. While serving as president of the University of Vermont, he kept in his office the desk of Vermont Sen. Justin Morrill, author of the Morrill Act of 1862, which established the nation's land-grant universities.

"I have had the privilege of working at three great land-grant institutions, the University of Vermont, Purdue University, and now the U of A," Garimella said. "That experience reinforces my belief in the transformative power of these public institutions to strengthen communities and in the people who bring their mission to life."

A 'force for good'

Throughout the visit, Garimella returned to a central message: The University of Arizona's land-grant promise is alive in Yavapai County. From ranchlands to classrooms, and from local government chambers to alumni engagement, the university is working to deliver solutions that matter to Arizona communities.

"Whether it is through research, education, or service, we are here to partner with communities to meet their evolving needs," Garimella said. "The University of Arizona will continue to be a force for good in every county of this state."