About the Episode
Got a story to tell? An innovative idea to share? Fill out our guest nomination form and let's chat!
About the Episode:
San Jose State University sits at the epicenter of technological innovation, bridging the world of higher education with the dynamic ecosystem of Silicon Valley. As universities across the country grapple with reimagining digital learning, SJSU is reinventing how higher education can be enhanced through innovative technologies. To explore their approach, Ray is joined by Dr. Vincent Del Casino, Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs at San Jose State.
Key Takeaways
- Silicon Valley’s Influence on SJSU: The university plays a critical role in fueling the local workforce, with graduates employed across major tech companies like Adobe, NVIDIA, and Apple.
- Industry Partnerships Enhance Learning: SJSU collaborates with leading tech firms to embed digital literacy and AI education across disciplines, ensuring students are workforce-ready.
- AI and Higher Ed Transformation: AI is reshaping everything from pedagogy to student support services, enabling faster decision-making and personalized learning experiences.
- Expanding Access Through Online Learning: SJSU Online is making higher education more accessible, particularly for adult learners and students returning to complete their degrees.
- Addressing the Digital Divide: The university is committed to democratizing access to emerging technologies, ensuring all students, regardless of background, are equipped for the future job market.
- Competitive Strategies in Enrollment: In a tightening higher ed landscape, SJSU is increasing responsiveness in admissions and leveraging its strong regional reputation to attract students.
How Does Silicon Valley Shape SJSU’s Identity?
San Jose State University isn’t just located in Silicon Valley—it’s an integral part of it. With 10,000 graduates entering the workforce each year, many of whom stay in the region, SJSU is a key player in sustaining the tech industry’s talent pipeline. Dr. Del Casino emphasizes that while engineering and computer science are strong programs, SJSU’s impact extends far beyond, with graduates in HR, marketing, and other essential fields. The university’s unique location allows it to collaborate directly with top tech firms and remain at the cutting edge of industry trends.
How Does SJSU Partner with Tech Giants Like Adobe and NVIDIA?
One of SJSU’s standout partnerships is with Adobe, where the university has integrated digital and creative literacy into its curriculum across disciplines. Students in both STEM and the humanities engage in digital storytelling and multimedia creation, enhancing their career readiness. Additionally, a recent collaboration with NVIDIA focuses on AI education, providing faculty, staff, and students with resources to explore AI applications in the classroom. These partnerships ensure that students graduate with skills directly aligned with industry needs.
How Is SJSU Embracing AI in Higher Education?
AI is revolutionizing both how students learn and how universities operate. SJSU is actively exploring AI applications in education, including initiatives to personalize learning experiences and streamline administrative processes. The university’s writing center has even developed an AI Writer’s Toolbox, helping students navigate the ethical use of AI in academic writing. Additionally, SJSU is leading discussions on AI’s societal impact, with students organizing their own conference on responsible AI usage.
How Is Online Learning Expanding Access to Education?
Recognizing the growing demand for flexible learning options, SJSU launched SJSU Online in 2023, focusing on undergraduate programs for adult learners and those returning to complete their degrees. The program has already graduated over 100 students in its first 18 months, proving its effectiveness. By offering a high-quality, career-aligned education in an online format, SJSU is meeting the needs of students who might not otherwise have access to a traditional campus experience.
How Is SJSU Addressing the Digital Divide?
Dr. Del Casino highlights a growing concern in higher education: access to high-performance computing and large language models. He argues that the next major digital divide won’t just be internet access, but the ability to engage with advanced technologies like AI and big data. SJSU is tackling this challenge by securing grants and industry partnerships that provide students with hands-on experience in these critical areas, ensuring they are prepared for the evolving job market.
What Strategies Help Universities Stay Competitive?
With increasing competition in the higher education landscape, SJSU is doubling down on two key strategies: responsiveness and local commitment. The university has accelerated its admissions process, now making decisions months earlier than before to remain competitive. At the same time, SJSU is emphasizing its strong regional reputation, recognizing that many students prefer to enroll in institutions with strong local connections. Dr. Del Casino stresses that universities need to build infrastructures that prioritize student needs rather than institutional convenience.
SJSU’s approach proves that universities don’t need to be the biggest to be the best—they need to be innovative, responsive, and deeply committed to student success.
Connect With Our Host:
About The Enrollify Podcast Network: Mastering the Next is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!
Some of our favorites include The EduData Podcast and Generation AI.
Enrollify is produced by Element451 — the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.
Attend the 2025 Engage Summit!
The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education.
Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.
👉🏻 Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025!
.svg)
.svg)
