ASU president recognized for pioneering leadership in innovation and higher education

^{“As someone with deep admiration for Edison’s commitment to finding use-inspired solutions through imagination, hard work and perseverance, I have aspired to those ideals in my efforts to advance learning, discovery and impact. With the aid of many talented and equally dedicated colleagues, I am proud of the progress we have made together and excited for the work ahead,” said ASU President Michael Crow, recipient of the 2025 Edison Achievement Award.}

FORT MYERS, Fla. — The Edison Awards, an organization dedicated to honoring the world’s most innovative new products and services, is pleased to announce Michael M. Crow, president of Arizona State University, as a 2025 Edison Achievement Award honoree.

This prestigious award recognizes Crow’s transformative leadership in higher education, where he has redefined the role of the public research university in fostering impactful, global innovation. Under his guidance, ASU has earned the ranking of No. 1 in innovation by U.S. News & World Report for the 10th consecutive year, solidifying its reputation as a leader in pioneering approaches to education, research and technology.

“I am very honored to receive the Edison Award and to join the company of such an incredible cohort of innovation and technology leaders,” Crow said. “As someone with deep admiration for Edison’s commitment to finding use-inspired solutions through imagination, hard work and perseverance, I have aspired to those ideals in my efforts to advance learning, discovery and impact. With the aid of many talented and equally dedicated colleagues, I am proud of the progress we have made together and excited for the work ahead.”

ASU is a student-centric, technology-enabled university focused on global challenges. In addition to the innovation ranking, the university has also been ranked No. 1 in the nation and top 10 in the world five years in a row by Times Higher Education for advancing the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals. ASU ranks No. 1 in the U.S. for 11 of 17 of categories used to measure global impact.

Under Crow’s leadership, ASU has established more than 25 new transdisciplinary schools, including the School of Earth and Space Exploration, the School for the Future of Innovation in Society and the School of Human Evolution and Social Change, and launched trailblazing multidisciplinary initiatives including the Biodesign Institute, the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory and important programs in the humanities and social sciences.

Crow’s commitment to innovation has driven ASU’s rise as a thought leader, with initiatives like its alliance with OpenAI advancing the potential of artificial intelligence and other transformative technologies in the modern era. Through this dedication, ASU continues to set new standards for meaningful change in education.

Crow joins an esteemed group of Edison Achievement Award recipients, including visionaries such as Sir Jony Ive, Clayton M. Christensen and Laurie Leshin, director of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and an ASU alumna.

“We are thrilled to honor Dr. Crow, whose contributions have set new standards for innovation in academia,” said Frank Bonafilia, executive director of the Edison Awards. “Dr. Crow’s forward-thinking leadership aligns seamlessly with the Edison Awards’ mission to celebrate excellence in innovation and to inspire continued progress for positive change across many industries.”

The Edison Achievement Awards honor spotlights distinguished leaders whose careers have shaped global progress. It is presented alongside the annual Edison Best New Product Awards, currently accepting nominations. Established in 1987, the Edison Awards celebrate products, services and organizations that exemplify unparalleled innovation, honoring those with transformative potential for good. Named after Thomas Alva Edison (1847-1931), the annual competition honors excellence in new product and service development, marketing, design and innovation. 

Nominations for the 2025 Edison Awards are open until Oct. 31, and interested applicants are encouraged to apply. To learn more about the Edison Awards, visit edisonawards.com/nominations. 

Originally posted: October 29, 2024
ASU News