What is the New American University Model?

Amanda Opperman
Mar 9
3 min read

Updated: Apr 19

A Deep Dive into the New American University Model

Higher education is at a crossroads. Traditional universities, constrained by rigid structures and outdated models, are struggling to adapt to changing student needs, funding challenges, and the evolving role of research in economic development. Enter the New American University model, pioneered by Arizona State University (ASU) under the leadership of President Michael Crow. This approach redefines what a modern university can and should be—inclusive, entrepreneurial, and impact-driven.

What is the New American University Model?

At its core, the New American University model rejects the old paradigm of exclusivity and rigid hierarchy in favor of a mission-driven, innovation-focused, and scalable approach to higher education. Instead of measuring success by selectivity, it focuses on access, excellence, and societal impact.

According to ASU, a New American University is built on eight core design aspirations:

Leverage Our Place – Engage deeply with the local community and economy.
Enable Student Success – Expand access without sacrificing quality.
Transform Society – Focus on research that has direct societal impact.
Fuse Intellectual Disciplines – Encourage interdisciplinary collaboration.
Value Entrepreneurship – Apply innovative thinking to solve global challenges.
Be Socially Embedded – Actively contribute to the communities served.
Conduct Use-Inspired Research – Focus on solutions with real-world applications.
Engage Globally – Build partnerships and expand influence beyond borders.

These aspirations guide institutions toward an innovative, high-impact model that aligns with 21st-century challenges.

Key Features of the New American University Model

1️⃣ Redefining Access and Excellence

Traditional universities often measure prestige by how many students they reject. The New American University model, in contrast, embraces a "high-access, high-excellence" approach. This means:

Expanding enrollment to serve more students without lowering academic rigor.
Investing in adaptive learning technologies and student support systems.
Creating multiple pathways for student success, including partnerships with community colleges and workforce development programs.

📌 Example: ASU eliminated the traditional barriers that kept non-traditional students out, increasing enrollment while maintaining high research output and faculty quality.

2️⃣ Innovation in Research & Entrepreneurship

Unlike the traditional “publish or perish” approach, this model prioritizes use-inspired research—meaning research that solves real-world problems and drives economic growth. It encourages:

Tech transfer and commercialization of university research.
Public-private partnerships to secure funding and industry collaboration.
Interdisciplinary research hubs that break down silos between academic departments.

📌 Example: ASU’s SkySong Innovation Center is an incubator that connects researchers, students, and businesses to launch new ventures based on university research.

3️⃣ Financial Sustainability Through Diversification

Instead of relying primarily on state and federal funding, New American Universities adopt a diversified funding model that includes:

Industry partnerships and corporate sponsorships.
Philanthropy and large-scale donor investments.
Research commercialization and licensing revenue.
Scalable online and executive education programs.

📌 Example: ASU’s partnership with Starbucks, which provides tuition support for Starbucks employees, has expanded access to higher education while securing a sustainable revenue stream.

4️⃣ Public-Private Ecosystem Thinking

The traditional “ivory tower” model of higher education isolates universities from their communities. The New American University model actively integrates academia with industry, government, and community partners. This means:

Universities function as hubs for economic development and innovation.
Faculty and students engage in real-world problem-solving collaborations.
Institutions work with policymakers to drive regional and national progress.

📌 Example: ASU has developed research initiatives directly aligned with Arizona’s economic priorities, from water sustainability to space exploration.

Why This Model Matters for the Future of Higher Education

The New American University model is not just about ASU—it’s a blueprint for the future of all institutions seeking to remain relevant and financially sustainable. As federal funding shifts and competition intensifies, universities and research centers must: ✅ Expand access and rethink traditional admission models.✅ Prioritize research with real-world impact.✅ Embrace entrepreneurial thinking and commercialization.✅ Develop funding models that go beyond government reliance.✅ Forge strong partnerships across sectors.

Institutions that adopt these principles will not only survive but thrive in the evolving higher education landscape.

Final Thoughts: Is Your Institution Ready to Adapt?

The New American University model is more than a strategy—it’s a fundamental shift in how higher education operates. Universities that embrace these principles will be the ones shaping the future.

Is Your Institution Ready for the Future?

The New American University model is more than an idea—it’s a proven framework for long-term impact and sustainability. Universities that embrace these principles will be the ones shaping the next era of higher education.

👉 Ready to explore how your institution can evolve? Let’s talk.