People I (Mostly) Admire 172. A New Kind of University
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Dec 6, 2025 
Michael Crow, president of Arizona State University and an innovator in higher education, shares his vision for transforming universities. He discusses the necessity of a new, scalable model focused on inclusion and societal engagement. Crow highlights ASU's use of virtual reality in biology education and the power of storytelling in teaching abstract sciences. He emphasizes the importance of empowering faculty and rethinking pedagogy for an AI-driven future. Crow's insights reveal how ASU disrupts traditional education while maintaining its commitment to public benefit.
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A New Scalable University Model
- Michael Crow argues the U.S. needs a new, scalable university model beyond elite colonial-college derivatives.
- He calls this the “new American university” focused on egalitarian access, innovation, and societal impact.
Excellence Paired With Inclusion
- ASU aims to be excellent in research while also massively accessible and community-focused.
- Crow emphasizes innovation and technology as essential to achieve both excellence and scale.
Rewiring Departments Into New Schools
- Crow eliminated 85 existing schools and departments and created new interdisciplinary units like the School of Earth and Space Exploration.
- That reorganization grew astronomy majors from a handful to over 500 by reframing identity and curricula.
