ASU Removes Obama Name From Scholarship Program

Arizona State University has renamed its Obama Scholars Program ASU Promise Plus, Axios reported Tuesday.

The scholarship program, established in 2005, now offers up to four years of tuition and fees for qualifying Arizona high school graduates, as well as assistance with housing and meal costs, according to the university’s website. ASU named the program after former president Barack Obama in 2009, shortly after university officials faced backlash for not granting the president an honorary degree prior to his commencement address, Axios reported.

A spokesperson for the university did not tell Axios why the name was changed but said in a statement that “ASU periodically reviews and updates program names to reflect the university’s priorities and the students served.”

“ASU Promise Plus reflects the university’s continued commitment to expanding access and supporting Arizona students on their paths to degrees,” the spokesperson said.