Arizona State University (ASU), Polytechnic is one of four campuses of Arizona State University. Founded originally as ASU East, the campus opened in fall 1996 on the former Williams Air Force Base in eastern Mesa, Arizona. The campus opened with nearly 1,000 students enrolled in one of the eight degrees offered. The small campus started with two schools -- School of Technology and School of Management and Agribusiness. East College was added in 1997 as an incubator for new professional programs.

Today nearly 8,800 students are enrolled in 40 degree programs. ASU shares more than at Power and Williams Field roads with Chandler-Gilbert Community College, Mesa Community College, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, a United States Air Force research laboratory, a Veteran's Administration Clinic and the Silvestre Herrera Army Reserve Center. These entities make up what is known as the Williams Campus.

As the needs of the university and community evolve, so too does the campus. In July 2005, the campus changed its name from ASU East to ASU's Polytechnic campus to better reflect the mission of the programs at the campus. Programs such as the new multidisciplinary Bachelor of Science in Engineering continue to be developed, offering students even more practical degree choices.

ASU's Polytechnic campus will continue its evolution as a premier polytechnic in the region and a competitive force for the Williams area.