Arkansas State Begins Construction on Mexico Campus

QUERETARO, Mexico — Construction activity is underway on the privately funded $75 million Arkansas State University campus in Queretaro, located about 200 miles northwest of Mexico City. Arkansas State University Campus Queretaro (ASUCQ), a private business foundation in Mexico, acquired 2,125 acres for the new 370-acre campus, which will include commercial, residential and recreational components for up to 70,000 residents. When the project is completed, Arkansas State (A-State) will be the first comprehensive U.S. university in Mexico with an American-style campus.

The first phase of the project is scheduled for completion in 2017 and is being designed to accommodate up to 5,000 students, with a goal of 1,000 students in the first year, according to ASU officials. Ayesa, a global engineering, consulting and construction company based in Spain, set up offices at the site to manage construction of the complex.

The Mexico campus will incorporate the A-State brand and logo as well as the university’s curriculum. All classes will be taught in English by credentialed faculty approved by the university. Degrees from the school will be recognized in both the United States and Mexico. For startup costs, Arkansas State will use funds generated from private gifts, and ASUCQ will underwrite all construction and any operating deficits for up to three years after courses begin.

“The campus layout is now visible with substantial earth work completed, steel beams going up for the Student Union and multiple levels of infrastructure being installed,” Chancellor Tim Hudson told Region 8 News earlier this month.