The University of Arizona submitted a new capital improvement plan to the Arizona Board of Regents during this week's meeting at Northern Arizona University. 

The plan outlines work through fiscal year 2031. It includes projects that support the U of A's strategic imperatives: success for every student, research that shapes the future and engaging with our communities to create opportunity. 

The new plan includes several high-priority projects for 2029 through 2031. The projected cost for building construction and renewal is $183.5 million. That work will include deferred maintenance and lab modernization for older buildings across campus; infrastructure and accessibility improvements for Arizona State Museum's ongoing renovations; overhauling outdoor campus infrastructure like pedestrian and bike paths; improvements to McKale Center at ALKEME Arena, Casino Del Sol Stadium, Hi Corbett Field and several other athletic facilities; and on-campus housing.

The regents also approved the university's annual capital plan, which identifies upcoming projects originally outlined in the capital improvement plan. The U of A included five new projects in this year's annual plan:

• Deferred maintenance, including fire alarm upgrades, elevator code compliance, plumbing and street repairs, building automation and utility infrastructure upgrades
• Campus-wide technology modernization that supports teaching, research and university operations by replacing aging technology and improving connectivity
• Addressing aging research facilities by modernizing existing laboratory spaces and upgrading mechanical, electrical and plumbing infrastructure
• Improving overall campus safety by improving operational efficiency through advanced analytics and scalable security infrastructure
• Modernizing student spaces, cultural venues and classrooms to enhance the student experience and quality of life on campus

U of A extends Desireé Reed-Francois' contract through 2032

The regents also approved a contract extension for R. Ken Coit Director of Athletics Desireé Reed-Francois, keeping her leading Arizona Athletics through 2032. Reed-Francois began her tenure in 2024.

"I am honored to continue serving the University of Arizona and Arizona Athletics," Reed-Francois said. "We will continue to pursue championships, graduate future leaders and make Wildcat Nation proud."

Since joining the U of A, Reed-Francois has led Arizona Athletics through its transition into the Big 12 Conference and its first Big 12 Allstate Commissioner's Cup, the return of men's basketball to the Final Four, consecutive national titles in triathlon, a Territorial Cup win and Holiday Bowl appearance for football and postseason berths in volleyball, men's tennis and golf. Student-athletes also set a new graduation record last year at 92%.

Reed-Francois also oversaw two new major naming-rights deals, with Casino del Sol and ALKEME Insurance. Arizona Athletics also raised a record $46 million through the Wildcat Club during the 2025-26 academic year.

At the meeting, the regents also: 

• Received an update from board and university staff on efforts to understand the needs of Arizona's college students and support their well-being. 
• Approved three new academic units at the U of A: the Clinical and Translational Science Institute, International Center for Arid Soil Health and Arizona Institute for Future Energy.
• Approved of the university offering the master of science in business analytics program, with more than 50% of courses delivered in person in Scottsdale.