Unlocking AI’s Potential in Higher Education: Lessons from Arizona State University

Arizona State University (ASU) has long been a trailblazer in higher education. Its innovative embrace of artificial intelligence (AI) — from partnerships with OpenAI to developing AI literacy programs — sets it apart as a leader in aligning technology with institutional mission.

What makes ASU’s approach remarkable isn’t just the technology itself. It’s how the university integrates AI into its commitment to accessibility, inclusivity, and measurable impact for students, faculty, and staff.

In this post, we unpack insights from ASU leaders Tina Miller, Executive Director of Creative and Communications, and Lev Gonick, Enterprise Chief Information Officer. Both have shared their expertise on Enrollify podcasts, offering a practical roadmap for institutions eager to embrace AI.

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1. Why Higher Ed Leaders Can’t Afford to Ignore AI

Prioritizing AI Literacy and Leadership Buy-In

AI adoption begins with leadership. Tina Miller emphasizes that AI adoption starts at the top. Leaders need to champion AI initiatives, creating a culture where learning and experimentation are celebrated. Miller shares her personal journey of self-education — starting with podcasts like Hard Fork and Marketing AI — and how small, consistent efforts can build AI literacy.

But literacy is only step one. Leaders must progress to fluency — understanding how to implement AI tools that streamline workflows, enhance collaboration, and improve student outcomes.

Miller’s advice to leaders? Make AI a priority now. Institutions that fail to adapt risk falling behind in a rapidly evolving landscape.

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2. Breaking Down Barriers: The Realities of AI Integration

From Skepticism to Strategy

Resistance to AI often stems from fear — fear of job loss, fear of complexity, or fear of the unknown. Miller directly addresses these concerns, reminding skeptics that AI is here to complement human expertise, not replace it.

Her take? “AI won’t take your job, but someone who knows how to use AI might.”

The biggest challenges are time constraints and institutional inertia. Miller suggests a pragmatic, phased approach:

• Build Cross-disciplinary Teams that include faculty, IT, and administrative staff to guide adoption.
• Engage in Peer-to-peer Learning through professional networks and communities of practice.
• Create a Compelling Case for Change, showing how AI solves specific pain points, like improving student engagement or administrative efficiency.

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3. ASU’s Framework for AI Success: A Blueprint for Impact

Three Key Areas to Drive Innovation

ASU’s AI strategy revolves around three key areas:

• Teaching and Learning Success: Tools like Degree Me personalize learning pathways, while initiatives like the "Language Buddy" bot immerse students in foreign language practice.
• Research for Societal Impact: Faculty and students use AI to tackle global challenges, from climate change modeling to public health solutions.
• Future of Work: AI-powered tools streamline administrative processes, such as financial aid and enrollment workflows, reducing friction for students and staff.

ASU’s AI Innovation Challenge, which generated over 500 proposals and launched 250 active projects, serves as a cornerstone of this strategy. By equipping faculty and staff with AI licenses and requiring measurable outcomes, ASU ensures every project aligns with its mission and scales effectively.

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4. Leadership, Experimentation, and Scalability

How ASU Creates a Culture of Innovation

ASU’s success with AI stems from intentional leadership. Lev Gonick highlights President Michael Crow’s pivotal role in setting the tone for innovation.

The university prioritizes small-scale experiments, refining projects before scaling them. Gonick also notes that ASU’s "garden wall" ecosystem protects student data and faculty intellectual property while enabling cross-disciplinary collaboration.

“AI’s greatest promise,” Lev explains, “is its ability to reduce the cost of expertise and transform how knowledge is delivered and consumed.

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5. Practical Advice for Institutions Ready to Start Their AI Journey

Steps to Take Now for Long-Term Success

For colleges and universities unsure where to start, ASU’s approach offers clear guidance:

• Start Small: Test AI on low-risk projects, like virtual tutoring or process automation.
• Focus on Literacy: Train leaders and staff to understand AI’s capabilities and limitations.
• Build a Coalition: Engage faculty, administration, and IT teams for alignment and buy-in.
• Prioritize Governance: Ensure student privacy and intellectual property are safeguarded with robust policies and secure systems.

The key is to begin experimenting. As Gonick aptly states, “The best way to predict the future is to start creating it.”

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AI: The Future of Higher Education Is Now

ASU’s pioneering work demonstrates what’s possible when leadership, innovation, and a commitment to impact converge. From streamlining workflows to creating hyper-personalized learning experiences, ASU sets the bar for AI integration in higher education.

If your institution wants to stay competitive, don’t wait. Start small, build momentum, and develop a roadmap for scaling AI initiatives.

• Lev Gonick on Mastering The Next 
• Tina Miller’s Hall of Fame Episode 
• Tina Miller on Higher Ed Pulse 
• Tina Miller AI For U Bonus
• Tina Miller on AI For U

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