In 1885, the territorial legislature authorized the establishment of the University of Arizona and provided for the management, direction, governance, and control by a board of regents.

The state colleges, one in Tempe and one in Flagstaff, were governed by a three-member state board of education that included the Superintendent of Public Instruction and two members appointed by the Governor of Arizona.

[citation needed] In March 1945, the governor signed a law uniting the governing boards of the university and state colleges of Arizona.

The governor and the Superintendent of Public Instruction serve as voting ex officio members.

Arizona universities have no independent legal existence but are extensions of the board.