Tempe campus of Arizona State University
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| Tempe campus of Arizona State University | |
|---|---|
| Name | Tempe campus of Arizona State University |
| Established | 1885 |
| Type | Public research university (campus) |
| City | Tempe |
| State | Arizona |
| Country | United States |
| Campus | Urban, 642 acres |
| Students | 50,000+ (approximate) |
| Website | official site |
Tempe campus of Arizona State University is the flagship campus of Arizona State University, located in Tempe, Arizona on the eastern shore of the Salt River. Founded in 1885 as a normal school, the campus evolved through affiliations with the Arizona Territory, the Arizona State Teachers College, and the Arizona Board of Regents to become a major component of the Arizona State University system. The campus serves as a hub for instruction, research, and cultural programs connected to institutions such as the Barrett, The Honors College, the W. P. Carey School of Business, the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, and the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts.
History
The site traces origins to the Territorial Normal School established under the administration of Governor John C. Frémont and contemporaneous with developments like the Transcontinental Railroad expansion in the Southwest. Early leaders included figures associated with the Arizona Territorial Legislature and educators linked to the National Education Association. During the 20th century the campus expanded under presidents and provosts who coordinated with the Gila River basin authorities and the Civilian Conservation Corps era public works programs. Postwar growth intersected with federal initiatives such as the GI Bill and collaborations with agencies like the National Science Foundation and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, spurring construction of laboratories, libraries, and cultural venues including the ASU Art Museum and performance spaces affiliated with the Phoenix Symphony. In recent decades strategic planning aligned with statewide policy from the Arizona State Legislature and philanthropy from benefactors linked to entities like the Mayo Clinic and the Kauffman Foundation, shaping interdisciplinary institutes and international partnerships with universities such as the University of Oxford, the University of Tokyo, and the University of Cambridge.
Campus layout and facilities
The campus occupies an urban grid near the intersection of Interstate 10 and Loop 202 with major precincts like the Tempe Town Lake waterfront, the Old Main historic core, and the Sun Devil Fitness Complex. Academic clusters include the College Avenue Commons, the Engineering Research Center, and the Biodesign Institute buildings adjacent to the Arizona State University Research Park. Cultural and civic facilities encompass the ASU Gammage performing arts center designed by Frank Lloyd Wright-influenced architects, the Center for Meteorite Studies, and the Nelson Fine Arts Center. Libraries include holdings of the Hayden Library and special collections linked to the American Indian Studies program and the Western History Collection. Health and clinical services are coordinated with partners like the Banner Health system and the Mayo Clinic Arizona for medical training and simulation centers.
Academics and research
Academic programs are organized under colleges such as the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law, and the School of Life Sciences. Research initiatives involve federally funded centers partnering with agencies including the Department of Defense, the Department of Energy, and the National Institutes of Health; major themes cover materials science with links to the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, sustainability linked to the Rocky Mountain Institute, biomedical engineering tied to the Mayo Clinic, and space science collaborations with NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Cross-disciplinary institutes like the Global Institute of Sustainability and the Center for Social Dynamics host projects funded by foundations such as the Gates Foundation and the Carnegie Corporation. Graduate training interfaces with professional schools including the W. P. Carey School of Business MBA, the Fulton Schools' doctoral programs, and joint degrees in partnership with international institutions like the National University of Singapore and the London School of Economics.
Student life and housing
Student organizations draw from traditions exemplified by groups affiliated with the Associated Students of Arizona State University, student chapters of national bodies such as Phi Beta Kappa, Student Government Association, and professional organizations tied to the American Bar Association and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. Residence halls and living-learning communities include complexes like Yuma Hall equivalents, themed houses connected to programs such as Barrett, The Honors College, and Greek life governed through councils similar to the Interfraternity Council and the Panhellenic Council. Campus cultural centers represent communities such as the Black Student Union, MEChA, and organizations linked to the Asian American Student Coalition; programming often features partnerships with arts organizations like the Phoenix Art Museum and civic partners including the City of Tempe. Health, counseling, and career services coordinate with employers and alumni networks connected to corporations like Intel, Honeywell, and American Express.
Transportation and sustainability
Transportation infrastructure integrates with regional systems such as the Valley Metro Rail and municipal bus services, proximity to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, and campus initiatives promoting cycling along routes connected to the Tempe Town Lake bike network. Sustainability efforts are associated with certifications from bodies like the U.S. Green Building Council (LEED) and collaborations with NGOs such as the World Wildlife Fund on urban ecology. Energy and water research intersects with agencies like the Bureau of Reclamation and utilities including Salt River Project; campus programs include solar arrays, stormwater management tied to Salt River restoration projects, and zero-waste planning informed by partnerships with industry groups like the Recycling Partnership.
Athletics and recreation
Athletic programs compete as part of the Pac-12 Conference in venues such as Sun Devil Stadium, the Mckinley Center, and the Mona Plummer Aquatic Center. Notable coaching and alumni connections reach professional leagues including the National Football League, the National Basketball Association, and Major League Baseball. Club sports and intramural leagues coordinate with collegiate organizations like the NCAA and national governing bodies such as USA Swimming and USA Track & Field. Recreation facilities support student wellness through partnerships with health organizations such as the American College Health Association and community outreach to entities like the City of Tempe Parks and Recreation Department.