Russia Ban Of ASU’s Crow Cites Ties To CIA Partner

Michael Crow
ASU President Michael Crow with Maktoum Bin Mohammed, Deputy Ruler of Dubai. The duo met this month to "discuss the progress of the academic industry in the UAE and Dubai." [Photo via Dubai social media]

Three notable Arizonans have been banned from going to Russia, according to an announcement from the Russian Foreign Ministry. About 500 Americans from around the country were added to the no-entry list on Friday.

Governor Katie Hobbs, Rep. Eli Crane, and ASU President Michael Crow made the list.  There were no reasons given for the inclusion of Hobbs or Crane, but Crow’s title on the announcement made no mention of ASU, the role he is nationally recognized for.  Instead, it lists him as Chairman of the Board for In-Q-Tel Corporation, where he serves alongside former CIA Director George Tenet and former congressman and CIA operative Will Hurd, among others.

In-Q-Tel describes itself on its website as investing “in visionary, commercially focused companies we believe in and see the opportunity to build a long-term partnership on behalf of our government partners.”

From Business Insider:

“In-Q-Tel (named after “Q” in the James Bond films) invests in companies that can deliver useful technology to the intelligence community within 36 months. But since it’s structured as an independent, non-profit organization, it’s rather unique: It’s a VC firm that doesn’t really need to make money back for outside investors, and it can tap into the deep pockets of the intelligence “black budget.”

Its involvement in a startup is also a stamp-of-approval of sorts, often bringing in more money from other VC firms, to the tune of $11-$15 for every dollar the CIA kicks in. In-Q-Tel typically does not disclose the amount it invests, though a Washington Post story from 2005 says the funding is often relatively small $500,000 to $2 million investments.”

“So, I’ve been added to the list of people banned from Russia,” tweeted ASU President Michael Crow. “I will miss those cards and flowers from Putin.”

It is considered likely that Crow’s ban may also be related to his work at ASU, since under Crow’s leadership, ASU announced plans to launch American University Kyiv (AUK) in the Ukraine.

ABOUT AUK:

American University Kyiv (AUK) is designed as a world-class private university based in Ukraine powered by Arizona State University. As one of the largest public university in the United States with over 135,000 students and 4,500+ faculty members, ASU has been ranked # 1 for Innovation in the United States, according to the U.S. News & World Report and is considered one of the most prestigious universities in the world according to Times Higher Education.

At AUK, we deliver an American standard of excellence in higher education through our expanding portfolio of undergraduate, graduate, and lifelong learning programs. Prospective students will have the option of choosing between master’s and bachelor’s degree programs in IT, engineering, business and management, health sciences, architecture and design, and law.

“AUK was a product of Cintana Alliance, an initiative launched by Crowe and education magnate Doug Becker: founder of an expansive private equity firm, Sterling Partners; founder and prior chairman and CEO of the largest education company globally, Laureate Education; and prior chairman and CEO of the largest K-12 tutoring company in the U.S., Sylvan Learning Systems. Becker also has membership within the John Hopkins Medicine Board of Trustees and chairs the International Youth Foundation (IYF) Board,” reported AZ FREE News in February 2022.

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