Jay Donnelly, University Real Estate receive recognition

Jay Donnelly, ASU Vice President of University Real Estate Development, has been recognized as a standout performer in his field by two Valley-based publications.

Phoenix Magazine recently showcased Donnelly's work in its Great 48 class of 2024 edition, highlighting outstanding individuals from the Valley in business, sports, the arts, media, philanthropy and politics.

Donnelly joined ASU in 2018 and oversees its real estate portfolio. He also earned accolades in AZ Big Media’s latest People and Projects to Know in Commercial Real Estate. The magazine’s 2025 issue spotlights Arizona’s most influential commercial real estate professionals and projects shaping the landscape.

The publications noted Donnelly’s pivotal role in developing the Novus Innovation Corridor, a 355-acre mixed-use, public-private partnership on the ASU Tempe campus. He guides ASU’s collaboration with Catellus, a private development partner in the project, and is responsible for strategic planning.  

“Novus creates an ecosystem where private-sector companies and ASU’s knowledge assets co-locate for the benefit of our community,” Donnelly said. “These recognitions display the university’s overall commitment to educational growth on and around our campuses.”

In addition to Donnelly’s accolades, the People and Projects to Know in 2025 issue highlighted the Tempe District Utility Plant project. The new utility plant will provide greater electrical, chilled and heated water capacity to meet the current and future needs of facilities on the west side of the Tempe campus.