As Arizona’s largest private employer, Banner Health is highlighting its outsized role not only in health care, but in the state’s broader economy.

In its newly released 2025 annual report, the Phoenix-based nonprofit health system said it invested $1.1 billion back into the communities it serves, supporting patient care, workforce development, research, and prevention efforts. The report also estimates Banner’s operations generate a $12 billion annual economic impact across Arizona.

The figures reinforce Banner’s standing as one of Arizona’s most consequential institutions for both public health and economic growth.

According to the report, Banner supports 140,000 jobs statewide, including 60,000 direct employees and another 80,000 indirect jobs tied to its operations and related economic activity.

For Arizona’s business community, those numbers underscore how health care systems increasingly serve as pillars of regional economic development, workforce stability, and long-term competitiveness.

“A strong health care system is foundational to a strong economy,” Arizona ˿����Ƶ of Commerce & Industry President and CEO Danny Seiden said. “Banner Health’s continued investment in Arizona’s workforce, communities, and long-term health outcomes demonstrates how essential institutions like this help make our state a place where businesses can grow, families can thrive, and talent wants to live and work.”

That broader economic perspective is reflected in Banner’s nonprofit model, which emphasizes reinvestment in patient care, technology, workforce development, and community-based services across Arizona.

“As a nonprofit health system, every dollar we earn is invested into our care, services, technology, talent and communities, not Wall Street shareholders,” Banner Health President and CEO Amy Perry said in the report’s .

That reinvestment model is especially visible in Banner’s workforce pipeline efforts, a critical issue as Arizona continues to grapple with population growth and a rising demand for health care professionals.

The annual report notes Banner trains more than 1,300 residents and fellows each year, supports 7,000 nursing students annually, and provides hands-on health care career experiences for more than 3,500 high school students through programs such as Camp Scrubs.

Those investments come as Arizona employers across sectors continue to emphasize the importance of talent development and workforce readiness.

Beyond its role as an employer, Banner also detailed major investments aimed at improving health outcomes in Arizona communities.

Among the report’s highlights, the system said it served 70,000 meals to low-income seniors through the Banner Olive Branch Senior Center and distributed more than 1 million pounds of food through its pantry operations.

Banner’s BIG Pink Bus mobile mammography program also screened nearly 1,000 women, with 18% receiving their first-ever screening, expanding access to preventive care in communities that may otherwise face barriers to early detection services.

The report also cites measurable gains in preventive care among Medicaid populations, including a 114% increase in colorectal cancer screenings and more than an 1,100% increase in blood pressure checks year over year.

For employers and policymakers alike, those gains carry implications that extend beyond the health sector.

A healthier workforce can translate into reduced absenteeism, improved productivity, and lower long-term health costs — all factors that influence Arizona’s economic competitiveness.

As the state continues to attract new residents, businesses, and investment, Banner’s report makes clear that health care infrastructure remains a central driver of Arizona’s economic momentum.

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Ensuring Arizona families can easily access and use Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) funds and count on fast approvals and timely reimbursements is the focus of an initiative announced last week by Arizona State Treasurer Kimberly Yee to improve the state’s ESA financial platform.

The Treasurer’s Office, which manages the contract with the vendor operating the ESA platform, will soon issue a formal Request for Information (RFI) to gather input from qualified vendors on system upgrades, new capabilities, and emerging technologies.

A key priority of the review is identifying modern solutions, including improved platform design, automation, and artificial intelligence-driven tools, that can both streamline the user experience for families and strengthen oversight of public funds.

“It is imperative that the State of Arizona’s ESA vendor operates effectively, provides a user‑friendly system for Arizona families and verifies that expenditures comply with Arizona law,” Yee said.

The ESA program, administered by the Arizona Department of Education, allows families to use public education dollars for approved expenses such as school tuition, tutoring, and educational materials. As participation has expanded rapidly, the need for a more efficient and user-friendly financial platform has grown alongside it.

Yee said the RFI will provide valuable insight into marketplace trends and technological capabilities ahead of a future Request for Proposal (RFP) for ESA financial services.

“The Arizona State Treasurer’s Office remains committed to ensuring that the marketplace vendor platform is as efficient as possible in delivering necessary funds to ESA families for qualified expenses. This process would invite ESA marketplace vendor programs to share how their innovations, including modern platform design, automation, and AI-driven tools, could strengthen Arizona’s ESA program.”

Safeguarding taxpayer dollars remains a central focus of the effort, with an emphasis on identifying systems that can quickly flag potential misuse while maintaining a smooth experience for legitimate users.

“If there is a financial platform, or are updates to the current platform, that can provide families ESA program funds efficiently and identify any misspending or misuse, then Arizona taxpayers deserve to use that system,” Treasurer Yee said.

Business leaders also voiced support for the initiative, highlighting Arizona’s leadership in school choice and the importance of strong program infrastructure.

“Arizona has long been a leader in school choice and parental decision-making on education,” said Danny Seiden, president and CEO of the Arizona ˿����Ƶ of Commerce and Industry. “As both a parent and an advocate for a strong Arizona workforce, I find this to be an incredible strength for our state. Whether it is charter schools, open enrollment or Empowerment Scholarship Accounts, your zip code doesn’t have to determine the quality of your child’s education. I applaud Treasurer Yee for making sure ESA parents have the tools they need to make the most of the program.”

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Education Forward Arizona and Freeport-McMoRan are continuing a workforce initiative aimed at connecting Arizonans directly to high-demand careers in the state’s mining industry.

Now entering its third year, the “Guarantee Your Future with Freeport” program will provide at least 30 participants with full scholarship support to pursue an associate of applied science (A.A.S.) degree and industry certification through participating Arizona community colleges. The program covers tuition, fees and books, and also provides assistance with cost-of-attendance expenses such as housing, food and transportation.

The initiative focuses on preparing students for critical technical roles that are essential to mining operations and the broader industrial economy. Participants can pursue training in priority technical fields such as diesel technology and fixed plant maintenance or advanced manufacturing. Additional career pathways include electrical and instrumentation, process automation and welding.

Students in the program will also complete a paid summer internship with Freeport-McMoRan, gaining hands-on experience and exposure to career opportunities across the company’s operations in Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Texas. Those who successfully complete both the scholarship program and internship may be eligible for job placement, provided all hiring requirements are met.

“Guarantee Your Future with Freeport represents the kind of bold, employer-driven partnership Arizona needs,” said Tracy Bame, president of the Freeport-McMoRan Foundation and director of social responsibility at Freeport-McMoRan. “Alongside Education Forward Arizona, we are investing in local talent, building a skilled workforce and creating clear pathways to meaningful, high-paying careers that strengthen families and communities.”

To support participants throughout the program, each student is paired with both an Education Forward Arizona success coach and a Freeport-McMoRan mentor, helping guide them from enrollment through potential employment.

The program comes at a time when Arizona is working to increase postsecondary attainment and expand the pipeline of skilled workers needed to support the state’s growing economy.

“This initiative brings education and industry together in a powerful way,” said Rich Nickel, president and CEO of Education Forward Arizona. “By aligning training with real workforce needs and providing comprehensive support along the way, we are helping more Arizonans gain the skills and credentials required to thrive in today’s economy. Partnerships like this are essential to achieving our state’s attainment goals and ensuring Arizona remains competitive.”

The program builds on a longstanding partnership between Education Forward Arizona and Freeport-McMoRan, including the Freeport-McMoRan Native American Scholarship Program. Together, the initiatives aim to expand access to postsecondary education and career training opportunities for Arizona students while strengthening the state’s education-to-workforce pipeline.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of employment with Freeport-McMoRan. The deadline to apply is March 15, 2026. More information about the program and application details are available through .

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˿����Ƶ Business News takes a closer look at Charter One, an education management organization helping shape high-performing, values-driven schools across Arizona and beyond. In this Q&A, Charter One CEO Bill Guttery discusses what sets their schools apart, how they prepare students for college, the trades, and careers, and why family engagement and community culture are central to their approach. They also share plans for growth in the Valley and what makes their campuses strong places for both students and educators to thrive.

What is Charter One? 

Charter One is an all-inclusive Education Management Organization (EMO) founded in 2015. Our organization provides management to charter schools, private schools, and district schools at all stages of operation. Our methods and drive have helped shape schools across Arizona, North Carolina, and South Carolina, and beyond to reach their maximum potential.

 What sets Charter One apart when it comes to serving Arizona students? 

Charter One is proud to support American Leadership Academy’s schools across the greater Phoenix metropolitan area, giving families more school-choice options right in their own communities. Our campuses provide a safe, moral, and wholesome environment where students can thrive in a traditional, structured setting. As tuition-free public schools, we combine strong A-rated academics with values-based learning called the “R.A.I.S.E. values”, which stand for Respect, Accountability, Integrity, Service, and Excellence. Our schools offer a wide range of extracurricular opportunities that reflect each school’s unique community, from equestrian and dance to robotics, fine arts, and so much more. 

How do you prepare students for the postsecondary education, the trades and future employment? 

At Charter One-supported schools, we prepare students for success in college, the trades, and future careers through a well-rounded, intentional approach. Our schools are among the top schools in the Valley, giving students the strong academic foundation they need to reach their collegiate goals. Our commitment to student success is reflected in our yearly partnership with a tutoring program that offers free ACT preparation for all ALA students.

For those interested in the trades, ALA Applied Technologies High School in Mesa helps students gain real-world skills and earn industry certifications before graduation. No matter the path, we focus on helping every student build the confidence and skills to thrive in the future they want.

 How do you help parents and families engage with school programming to support their kids’ education? 

Our schools are deeply committed to engaging the whole family in the educational experience. We host a wide range of community events that welcome students, parents, neighbors, and friends, including seasonal festivals, theater productions, and art shows. Families stay connected through monthly newsletters that highlight school updates, upcoming activities, and student successes. We also offer meaningful opportunities for parents to get involved on campus through active Parent Organizations. By creating regular touch points and welcoming spaces, we help families feel informed, included, and truly part of our school community.

What would you tell a family that is considering sending their child to a Charter One school? 

If you are looking for a traditional, patriotic, A-rated school environment where your child can grow, feel supported, and truly thrive, a Charter One-supported school is a wonderful choice. Our campuses offer strong academics, values-based learning, and a warm sense of community that helps students feel at home. Families appreciate the safe environment, dedicated teachers, and the many opportunities for students to explore their interests and build confidence. We are honored to partner with Valley families in their child’s educational journey.

Can you talk about plans for expansion? Any new schools in your portfolio? 

Yes, ALA schools continue to grow in the Valley. In Fall 2026, we will open American Leadership Academy Radiance, a Pre-K through 12 campus serving families in the Eastmark, Mesa, and Apache Junction areas. This new school will offer another high-quality school-choice option for local families. It is an exciting time for our community, and we welcome families to enroll in our brand-new campus.

Is there a wide variety of educational models in the Charter One portfolio? Or are all of the schools fairly similar?

Our ALA Arizona schools all follow a traditional, values-based educational model that emphasizes strong academics, character development, and a supportive school community. While each campus reflects the unique needs of its local families, the core approach is consistent across all schools, ensuring a unified and high-quality experience for students.

What makes your schools an attractive place for teachers to work?

At American Leadership Academy, we believe our teachers hold one of the most important roles in the world: partnering with parents to help raise the next generation of educated, compassionate, and capable leaders. We work hard to create a supportive environment where teachers feel valued, respected, and equipped to make a real impact. To attract and retain outstanding educators, we offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits. 

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Arizona has spent years positioning itself as a state that punches above its weight — a place where innovation and talent translate directly into economic competitiveness. Few leaders have had a bigger hand in shaping that trajectory than Dr. Michael Crow.

When Crow arrived at Arizona State University in 2002, he didn’t just take over a university, he took on a challenge: how to build an institution that matched the needs and ambitions of a fast-growing state. Today, it’s hard to look at Arizona’s economic progress without seeing his fingerprints.

Crow’s idea of a “New American University” wasn’t an academic slogan; it was a bet on Arizona’s future. While other states narrowed access or pulled back, he pushed ASU to expand — in scale, in research, and in reach — and to align itself with the industries and workforce demands defining the modern economy.

That strategy paid off at exactly the right time. As Arizona shifted toward advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, bioscience, defense, and other future-focused sectors, ASU became one of the country’s strongest pipelines of engineers, scientists, problem-solvers, and innovators. It also became a magnet for research partnerships and private investment that helped accelerate entire industries.

And unlike many universities, ASU didn’t grow at the expense of access. Access was the strategy. Crow insisted on opening doors wider, not smaller, giving Arizona something many states are now scrambling to recreate: a workforce that reflects the size and diversity of its population. In a state growing as quickly as ours, that has been a competitive advantage.

It’s also why ASU consistently ranks at the top nationally for innovation and social mobility, indicators of whether graduates can move directly into the jobs employers are creating right now.

Today, when national outlets talk about Arizona as a hub for semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, defense, and other next-generation industries, they’re describing a story ASU helped write. And when companies tell us why they invest here, ������’s talent, research, and problem-solving capacity are almost always near the top of the list.

Crow also pushed both policymakers and the business community to think bigger: to compete nationally and globally, to treat education as a core economic asset, and to build a workforce ready for a new economy.

That mindset has shaped nearly every major economic win Arizona has landed over the past two decades. And as ASU continues to evolve, so does our state — with the connection between the two clearer than ever.

Arizona’s next decade will demand even more: more skilled workers, more research capacity, more industry-university partnerships, and more leaders willing to think as boldly as Crow did when he arrived on the scene.

This month, the Arizona ˿����Ƶ will honor Dr. Michael Crow with the 2025 , recognizing leaders whose vision has helped define our state’s success story. It’s a well-earned moment for someone who helped shape not just a university, but Arizona’s economic future.

We hope you’ll join us in celebrating his contributions.

The Arizona ˿����Ƶ of Commerce & Industry Dinner is tonight, December 11, 2025 at the Arizona Biltmore. Event .

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A new analysis from the Common Sense Institute (CSI) and the U.S. ˿����Ƶ of Commerce Foundation paints a stark picture of the growing childcare crisis in Arizona and the mounting economic costs tied to it.

The report finds that the state’s shrinking supply of licensed childcare providers is forcing families to make difficult tradeoffs, reducing workforce participation, and limiting Arizona’s long-term economic growth.

Despite Arizona’s rapid population growth over the last 20 years, the number of licensed childcare providers has nearly been cut in half, dropping from more than 5,100 providers in 2002 to just under 2,800 today. That contraction has collided with higher labor and operating costs, making quality childcare increasingly hard to find and afford.

A business community leader says the findings confirm what employers have been experiencing first-hand.

“This report reinforces what employers across Arizona already know: childcare shortages limit workforce participation and hold back economic growth,” Arizona ˿����Ƶ of Commerce & Industry President and CEO Danny Seiden said. “Expanding access to quality care is one of the most practical ways Arizona can strengthen its workforce and stay competitive in a fast-growing economy. We hope this study will serve as a roadmap for policymakers to pursue solutions that support working parents and the employers who rely on them.”

The ˿����Ƶ has long emphasized the connection between reliable childcare and a strong, stable workforce. With Arizona employers facing tight labor markets and intense national competition, business leaders view the sector as a critical component of the state’s economic infrastructure.

A system under strain

The report highlights a statewide gap of up to 87,800 licensed childcare slots for children under six. Shortages are even more severe in some communities:

• In Maricopa County, licensed providers can accommodate only 13% of infants.
• In Santa Cruz County, that figure drops to just 1%.

Families that do secure a spot face rapidly rising costs. The average price of licensed infant care in Arizona has surged 42% since 2018 and now averages $61 per day. For lower-income families, that means working the equivalent of 90 hours per month just to cover childcare for one child.

Economic consequences—and opportunities

CSI’s economic modeling underscores the statewide stakes: if Arizona expands access to affordable, quality care, the state could add up to 233,600 new jobs over the next five years and generate between $5.4 billion and $34 billion in additional GDP.

Glenn Farley, CSI’s director of policy and research, said the shortage has broad implications for both families and employers.

“Even as demand remains high, the number of licensed providers has fallen sharply—limiting supply, driving up costs, and constraining labor force participation,” Farley said. “These pressures ripple through the broader economy, reducing productivity and household income. Based on our analysis, expanding access to affordable, quality care is not only good policy, but a necessary step for sustaining long term economic growth in the state.”

cover photo courtesy

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Southwest Gas employees earlier this month joined forces with Delivering Dreams of Arizona to provide new clothing and essential items to 100 students across two Phoenix schools: Southwest School and Ed and Verma Pastor Elementary School. Through the nonprofit’s Delivering Dreams Bus program – a mobile boutique experience that partners with more than 150 high-poverty K–8 schools across the Greater Phoenix area – students were able to select the clothing and hygiene items needed for the school year with dignity and confidence.

As part of Southwest Gas’ BLUE (Building Lives Up Everywhere) volunteer program, Southwest Gas employees helped students aboard Delivering Dreams’ 40-foot mobile dressing buses stocked with shelves of clothing, shoe-fitting stations, and private dressing rooms. Each student received a school uniform clothing package valued at approximately $300, including two bottoms, three shirts, a sweatshirt, a pair of shoes, seven pairs of socks and underwear, and a hygiene kit.

“Every time a child steps onto the Delivering Dreams Bus, they feel the support of an entire community that believes in their future,” said Brad Harris, Southwest Gas regional vice president. “Our employees are proud to play a part in that moment. It’s a powerful reminder of how even small acts of kindness can make a lasting difference and reflects Southwest Gas’ ongoing mission to fuel bright futures and support strong, sustainable communities.”

In addition, the Southwest Gas Foundation presented a $15,000 donation to Delivering Dreams of Arizona to help further its mission of fulfilling basic needs, fostering self-esteem, and enhancing quality of life for Arizona children. Sponsored by the Southwest Gas Foundation, the event reflects the company’s deep commitment to strengthening communities through volunteerism, charitable giving, and partnerships with local nonprofits that address critical needs and help neighbors thrive.

“Southwest Gas is such a recognizable and respected name in our community, and their continued support is truly making a difference,” said Aimee Runyon, CEO of Delivering Dreams of Arizona. “Their partnership helps us serve Title I schools and ensures that children who need it most can experience the joy and confidence that come with receiving new clothes. This is our second year partnering with Southwest Gas, and we’re so grateful for their positive impact and genuine commitment to helping local students.”

For more information on Southwest Gas’ charitable giving, please visit www.swgas.com. To learn more about Delivering Dreams of Arizona, visit www.deliveringdreamsaz.org.

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Arizona’s hospitality industry is essential to the state’s global identity. Tourism $4.3 billion in tax revenue for Arizona in 2024 and supports more than 300,000 jobs statewide. From world-class resorts to iconic sporting events, this sector is Arizona’s top export-oriented industry, fueling of Arizona’s gross domestic product in 2024 and stimulating communities across the state.

A new era of hospitality and tourism is coming fast, and Arizona must prepare for what’s next.

Workforce readiness will be critical. Between now and 2036, nearly 6,000 new hospitality and entertainment jobs. These roles demand a versatile blend of skills, combining emotional intelligence, technology integration, data-driven decision making and sustainability stewardship to deliver memorable experiences and great guest satisfaction. Tomorrow’s hospitality landscape demands a human touch that transforms experiences into lifelong memories.

Artificial intelligence is already reshaping guest experiences, from automated check-ins to personalized itineraries. By 2030, hotels expect to operate with significantly leaner human staffing, a shift that underscores the urgency of preparing workers for AI-enhanced roles.

The stakes are high because hospitality isn’t just an economic engine, it’s a promise to every visitor that Arizona is an exceptional destination delivering one-of-a-kind experiences that will stay with visitors for a lifetime.

The rapid changes to this industry are why the Arizona Board of Regents, in partnership with the Arizona Lodging and Tourism Association, have convened CEOs and leaders from hospitality, tourism and the sporting events industry to answer a critical question: What skills will define success in the next decade? These conversations are already shaping how Arizona’s public universities – Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University and the University of Arizona – prepare students for careers that will keep our state competitive.

������’s program equips future leaders with expertise in resort operations and advanced AI integration. NAU’s ranks among the nation’s best, attracting global recruiters to its graduates. The U of A’s Eller College of Management delivers world-class training in business analytics, sports tourism and event management, and offers a ensuring students are ready to innovate and excel in a rapidly evolving industry.

The responsiveness of our universities is essential, but this challenge cannot be met alone. That’s why Arizona’s public universities and AZLTA will work together to expand internships, apprenticeships and career pathways that connect talent to opportunity. This collaboration is already underway, informed by direct input from industry leaders, and we invite every stakeholder to join us in continuing to build a workforce that keeps the world wanting to visit Arizona again and again.

If your business intersects with hospitality and tourism, we invite you to engage with us at ABOR and the AZLTA. Share your insights and join us as we invest in the future of Arizona’s workforce.   

Chad Sampson is the Executive Director of the . Kim Grace Sabow is the President and CEO of the .

Photo courtesy Creative Commons .

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In 2015, Banner Health and the University of Arizona launched a strategic partnership with a bold vision: to reshape healthcare delivery, expand academic medicine, and build a robust pipeline of medical professionals for Arizona. Ten years later, the results point to a significant and measurable impact.

According to a new study by Rounds Consulting Group, the partnership has generated over $59 billion in total economic impact for the state. It has also created and sustained 35,500 annual operating jobs and 12,600 construction jobs, delivering lasting benefits to Arizona’s workforce and infrastructure.

Over the past decade, the partnership has been positioned as a national model for how academic institutions and health systems can align to strengthen healthcare delivery and workforce development.

“This partnership is proof that when Arizona’s institutions work together, we can make a lasting impact for our state and its people,” said Doug Goodyear, chair, Arizona Board of Regents. “The work Banner and the U of A have done over the past decade stands as a model for how public and private institutions can work together to address critical needs and deliver measurable results for the communities they serve.” 

Capital investments, clinical expansion

A cornerstone of the Banner–U of A collaboration has been $2.4 billion in capital investments, including major upgrades to aging facilities and the development of cutting-edge educational and clinical infrastructure. Of this total, $2 billion was contributed by Banner Health and $400 million by the University of Arizona, funding projects that modernize care delivery and expand access across the state.

These investments created not only thousands of jobs in construction, engineering, and procurement but also an estimated $2.8 billion in economic output tied to equipment, materials, and services.

The partnership has also played a pivotal role in expanding healthcare access, with 22.6 million patient engagements reported over the last decade. Today, Banner–University Medicine supports approximately 33,000 direct and indirect jobs, positioning Banner Health as the largest private employer in Arizona.

“We are very proud of the impact our partnership with Banner Health has had over the past 10 years,” said U of A President Suresh Garimella. “Academic medicine gives students hands-on experience at the cutting edge of health care, advances fundamental discovery and clinical research, and enables the best quality clinical care. Together, we’re equipping future health leaders with the skills and adaptability they’ll need to thrive in a rapidly evolving field and meeting the needs of patients in Arizona and beyond.”

A homegrown talent pipeline

At the core of the Banner–U of A alliance is a shared commitment to workforce development. Since 2015, more than 1,900 physicians and healthcare professionals have graduated from the U of A Colleges of Medicine in Tucson and Phoenix. As of 2024, an estimated 1,100 of these graduates are practicing in Arizona, reinforcing the state’s healthcare system from within.

Medical school enrollment has surged nearly 40% since the partnership began, while the number of residency and fellowship positions has grown from 990 to over 1,200. Thousands of nursing and pharmacy students also receive clinical training at Banner facilities annually, directly addressing critical workforce shortages.

Arizona State’s new medical school joins the field

As the University of Arizona and Banner Health celebrate a decade of measurable success, Arizona’s academic medicine landscape is preparing for a major new player.

Arizona State University’s School of Medicine and Advanced Medical Engineering has officially received preliminary accreditation and will welcome its first class in 2026.

The school recently secured a nine-figure naming gift from Dr. John Shufeldt, an Arizona-based physician and healthcare entrepreneur. His donation will fund scholarships, faculty hiring, and state-of-the-art facilities to help establish the school as a national leader in technologically integrated medical training.

The new medical school will work closely with HonorHealth as its primary clinical partner.

This initiative, alongside the decade-long success of the Banner–University of Arizona alliance, positions Arizona as a rising hub for academic medicine and medical workforce innovation.

AZ Healthy Tomorrow: A statewide vision for Arizona’s healthy future

Complementing these institutional efforts is , ABOR’s initiative focused on building the state’s health care workforce and improving health outcomes and access for all Arizonans. It is estimated that  lack adequate access to primary care, and more than  hospitals faces severe staffing shortages.

The multi-faceted health care initiative led by ABOR includes major growth and new investment by each of the state’s public universities, significant partnerships with the private sector and the support from the state government. By aligning with academic medicine and health systems, AZ Healthy Tomorrow seeks to ensure that the expansion of medical, nursing and allied health programs at Arizona’s public universities translates into healthier communities.

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Arizona State University made two significant announcements on Wednesday: The university’s new medical school has received preliminary accreditation from the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME), and it secured a nine-figure naming gift from Arizona physician and entrepreneur Dr. John Shufeldt.

The preliminary accreditation clears the way for ASU to recruit its inaugural class of students for fall 2026 and begins in earnest its efforts to transform health education and address Arizona’s growing need for medical professionals.

The naming gift is the second-largest in the university’s history. The school will be named the John Shufeldt School of Medicine and Medical Engineering.

“While accreditation was expected, it’s a milestone achieved through the tireless work of our team,” ASU President Michael Crow said. “Dr. John Shufeldt embodies the kind of innovator we aim to produce in our graduates — a physician, entrepreneur and forward-thinking leader contributing his time, talent and resources to help advance the future of health care.”

Shufeldt, an emergency medicine physician who founded NextCare in 1993 and grew it from a single clinic into a 60-location network across six states, said the new school will prepare physicians who can bridge the worlds of medicine, business, and technology.

“For decades I’ve worked at the intersection of business, law and medicine,” Shufeldt said. “What we need are physicians who can innovate and lead with compassion. That’s exactly what this school will produce.”

Arizona ˿����Ƶ of Commerce & Industry President and CEO Danny Seiden applauded the announcements, calling them “a win for Arizona’s economy and for the future of health care in our state.”

“������’s medical school represents exactly the kind of future-focused innovation that keeps Arizona competitive,” Seiden said. “By combining medicine, engineering, and entrepreneurship, and by attracting world-class talent like Dr. Shufeldt, ASU is strengthening the state’s health workforce and ensuring Arizona remains a leader in cutting-edge medical education and research. These announcements are game-changers for Arizona’s health-care workforce and innovation ecosystem.”

Students at the Shufeldt School of Medicine and Medical Engineering will earn two degrees in four years — a Doctor of Medicine and a Master of Science in Medical Engineering — through a curriculum that integrates engineering, data science, and the humanities. Its primary clinical affiliate will be HonorHealth, providing students hands-on experience in patient care and clinical innovation.

The school’s founding dean, Dr. Holly Lisanby, called the gift “transformative,” noting that students will be “dually trained from day one in medical and engineering disciplines, learning alongside experts from clinical, engineering, and entrepreneurial fields.” The new medical school is part of ASU Health, a system that includes the Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation, the College of Health Solutions, the new School of Technology for Public Health, and the ASU Health Observatory.

Cover image courtesy , social media

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