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Growing Student Success through Story, Identity, and Design at San Diego State University
Thursday, January 22, 2026
8:00am PT | 10:00am CT | 11:00am ET | 4:00pm GMT | 5:00pm CET
Join us for an inside look at how San Diego State University is reimagining the first-year experience through reflection, identity development, and creative storytelling. Their First-Year Seminar team will share how their Life Tree project helps thousands of new students make sense of who they are, where they come from, and who they hope to become. You’ll hear how SDSU faculty designed a powerful reflective framework that builds confidence, strengthens belonging, and supports well-being during one of the most important transitions in a student’s life. Through roots, core values, and future-self exploration, students create a living narrative that grows with them across their academic journey. This session offers a close look at an innovative model that blends reflection, community building, and student-centered teaching practices to drive meaningful transformation at scale. Attendees will take away inspirational ideas as well as a practical learning module to reimagine innovation on their own campuses.
FOR HIGHER EDUCATION PROFESSIONALS
Academic Innovation Café
The Adobe Academic Innovation Café is a virtual series that brings together educators, academic leaders, and innovators who are transforming teaching and learning with creativity and Generative AI. Each 45–60-minute session spotlights one higher education institution or initiative from the Adobe Academic Innovation Summit series, offering attendees practical insights, examples, and inspiration to reimagine learning through digital creativity.
Join us to learn how universities are embedding Adobe tools and Generative AI into the curriculum to foster student engagement, critical thinking, and future-ready skills.
These events and their on demand recordings will include closed captioning.
Upcoming event
Growing Student Success through Story, Identity, and Design at San Diego State University
Thursday, January 22, 2026
8:00am PT | 10:00am CT | 11:00am ET | 4:00pm GMT | 5:00pm CET
Join us for an inside look at how San Diego State University is reimagining the first-year experience through reflection, identity development, and creative storytelling. Their First-Year Seminar team will share how their Life Tree project helps thousands of new students make sense of who they are, where they come from, and who they hope to become.
You’ll hear how SDSU faculty designed a powerful reflective framework that builds confidence, strengthens belonging, and supports well-being during one of the most important transitions in a student’s life. Through roots, core values, and future-self exploration, students create a living narrative that grows with them across their academic journey.
This session offers a close look at an innovative model that blends reflection, community building, and student-centered teaching practices to drive meaningful transformation at scale. Attendees will take away inspirational ideas as well as a practical learning module to reimagine innovation on their own campuses.
Stuart Voytilla
Lecturer, School of Theater, Television, and Film Faculty Lead, SDSU Story Lab
Transforming the Student Experience at Tulane University
Thursday, February 19, 2026
8:00am PT | 10:00am CT | 11:00am ET | 4:00pm GMT | 5:00pm CET
In today’s dynamic higher education environment, student success increasingly depends on transforming their experience—perhaps beginning even before arrival on campus. Mike Griffith and Bobbie Garner-Coffie from Tulane University present their innovative approach, which started at summer orientation and continued through the Tulane Interdisciplinary Experience Seminar (TIDES) for incoming students.
Mike and Bobbie ground their innovation through specific strategic pillars: early access to digital tools, responsible use of AI, creativity, and fostering a sense of belonging. They then connect the dots from aspiration to action as they review the pedagogical design of the student projects, highlighting exceptional, creative results.
Finally, Bobbie Garner-Coffie will share two practical take-away resources to inspire similar initiatives:
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A learning module using Adobe Express and Firefly, enabling students to create a personalized orientation badge reflecting their educational vision.
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An Adobe Express remixable “Second-Line Umbrella” template, encouraging students to document and reflect on their TIDES First Year Seminar experiences.
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Information and AI Literacy in First-Year Writing at Penn State University
Thursday, March 19, 2026
8:00am PT | 10:00am CT | 11:00am ET | 4:00pm GMT | 5:00pm CET
In this session, leaders from Penn State’s Program in Writing and Rhetoric (PWR) showcase an innovative Infographics Unit designed for 5,000 First-Year Writing students. Discover how they guide students to transform written arguments into compelling data visualizations using Adobe Express. You’ll explore how PWR faculty scaffold, support, and assess multimodal projects, with a strong focus on critical thinking and creativity in the age of Generative AI.
These projects demonstrate how technology can be thoughtfully and strategically integrated into writing courses. Leave with actionable approaches to help students become agile, effective visual communicators, skills essential for today’s digital world.
Transforming the Student Experience at Tulane University
Thursday, February 19, 2026
8:00am PT | 10:00am CT | 11:00am ET | 4:00pm GMT | 5:00pm CET
In today’s dynamic higher education environment, student success increasingly depends on transforming their experience—perhaps beginning even before arrival on campus. Mike Griffith and Bobbie Garner-Coffie from Tulane University present their innovative approach, which started at summer orientation and continued through the Tulane Interdisciplinary Experience Seminar (TIDES) for incoming students.
Mike and Bobbie ground their innovation through specific strategic pillars: early access to digital tools, responsible use of AI, creativity, and fostering a sense of belonging. They then connect the dots from aspiration to action as they review the pedagogical design of the student projects, highlighting exceptional, creative results.
Finally, Bobbie Garner-Coffie will share two practical take-away resources to inspire similar initiatives:
-
A learning module using Adobe Express and Firefly, enabling students to create a personalized orientation badge reflecting their educational vision.
-
An Adobe Express remixable “Second-Line Umbrella” template, encouraging students to document and reflect on their TIDES First Year Seminar experiences.
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On-demand events
Preparing Higher Education Students for Career Success in the Age of Gen AI
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
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AI is transforming education and the workforce. Is your institution ready?
Watch our exclusive on-demand webinar designed for Provosts, Pro Vice-Chancellors, leaders and decision makers. Gain actionable strategies to enhance student engagement, academic outcomes, and workforce readiness.
Our speakers shared:
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Peer insights: Hear from an academic leader using AI and Adobe tools to enhance teaching and learning.
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Student outcomes: Discover how generative AI is helping institutions improve learning equity, and support student success, drawing on insights from Adobe’s Future of Learning report.
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Demo: Watch a demonstration showcasing the journey to generative AI creativity, collaboration, and automation.
Leave with a clear vision for preparing faculty, staff, and students for success in an AI-powered world.
This on-demand includes closed captioning.
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Empowering the Workforce of Tomorrow: Creativity and AI Skills for Career Success
Tuesday, September 30, 2025
In today’s rapidly evolving job market, creativity and AI literacy are no longer optional—they’re essential. Watch our engaging on-demand webinar where industry leaders and educators discussed how universities can prepare students to meet the growing demand for creative and AI-driven skills across all fields.
Hear from Wendy Fitch, Head of Creative at H and R Block on why creativity and AI expertise are critical for graduates entering the workforce. Learn from Megan Workmon, Director of Learning Experience at ASU on their campus’s innovative approach to equipping students with these skills, and gain insights from Edelman Research on how graduates can leverage creativity and AI without needing a creative degree.
This on-demand provides actionable strategies for university leaders and decision-makers to bridge the skills gap and empower students for career success.
This on-demand includes closed captioning.
Dr. Megan Workmon
Director of Learning Experience Design for Enterprise Technology, Arizona State University.
Our speakers showcased peer-led discussions, thought leadership, and industry research focused on enhancing student engagement, academic outcomes, and workforce readiness.
Event highlights:
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Peer insights: Hear from academic leaders using AI and Adobe tools to enhance teaching and learning
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Industry research: Gain insights from leading experts on the future of AI in education
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Student outcomes: Learn how AI is revolutionizing personalized learning and career readiness
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Demo: Watch a demonstration showcasing the journey to generative AI creativity, collaboration, and automation
Watch our webinar and leave with a clearer vision for how to prepare your faculty, staff, and students for success in an AI-driven world.
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Join Adobe and its partners for a dynamic webinar tailored to higher education leaders and decision-makers. Discover practical strategies to meet the DOJ’s 2026 mandate for PDF accessibility and ensure document compliance across your institution.
Learn how automation and cost-effective solutions can simplify your workflows, reduce resource strain, and support inclusive learning environments. Gain insights from real-world implementations at Ohio State University, explore a live demo on creating fully accessible documents in Acrobat, and engage in a fireside chat with industry experts. The session concludes with a live Q&A to address your institution’s unique challenges.
Empower your campus to lead in accessibility, meet legal requirements, and support every learner—regardless of ability.
Cory Tressler
Assistant Dean for Technology and Digital Programs, Ohio State University Libraries.
Dallas
Thursday, February 27, 2025
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We gathered at The Mason Dallas with university leaders from Texas and beyond to explore the challenges and opportunities of the AI-driven era.
Dr. Asim Ali (Auburn University) shared insights into Auburn’s journey in fostering a creative campus culture and expanding access to digital tools.
Event highlights:
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Roger Lee (Adobe) presented findings from Creativity with AI in Education, 2025, exploring how AI is shaping the future of education.
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Joshua Meredith and Christen Thomas (Deloitte) discussed workforce trends and strategies for preparing students for career success.
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Todd Taylor (Adobe) led a session on leveraging AI-driven tools like Adobe Express and Acrobat AI Assistant for problem-solving and innovation in education.
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Todd Taylor
Adobe Pedagogical Evangelist and Professor of English, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Tampa
Wednesday, March 5, 2025
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We gathered in Tampa as university leaders from Florida and beyond explored the challenges and opportunities of the AI-driven era.
Event highlights:
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Jennifer Sparrow, (NYU) shared the importance of digital literacy and her journey in making NYU part of Adobe’s Creative Campus Community.
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Chelsy Hooper (Auburn University) provideInitrights into Auburn’s approach to fostering a creative campus culture with Adobe.
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Roger Lee (Adobe) presented findings from Creativity with AI in Education, 2025, exploring how AI is transforming education.
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Joshua Meredith and Christen Thomas (Deloitte) discussed workforce trends and strategies for preparing students for career success.
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Todd Taylor (Adobe) led a session on leveraging AI-driven tools like Adobe Express and Acrobat AI Assistant for problem-solving and innovation in education.
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Jennifer Sparrow
Associate Vice President, Research and Instructional Technology Chief Academic Technology Officer
Todd Taylor
Adobe Pedagogical Evangelist and Professor of English, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
New York
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
We partnered with New York University as university leaders gathered at Washington Square Park to explore the AI-driven era. Jennifer Sparrow, NYU’s Associate VP for Research & Instructional Technology and Chief Academic Technology Officer, shared her experiences working with Adobe and her vision for expanding access to digital tools.
Event highlights:
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Brian Johnsrud (Adobe) presented findings from Creativity with AI in Education, 2025, highlighting how AI is unlocking new levels of student success. Check it out here.
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Deloitte’s Future of Work team explored workforce trends and skills predictions, fostering an engaging group discussion on career readiness.
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Shauna Chung and Todd Taylor (Adobe) led an interactive workshop on Adobe Express and Acrobat AI Assistant, offering hands-on insights from faculty and student perspectives.
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Jennifer Sparrow
Associate Vice President, Research and Instructional Technology Chief Academic Technology Officer
Shauna Chung
Adobe Pedagogical Evangelist and former English faculty at the New York City College of Technology (CUNY)
Todd Taylor
Adobe Pedagogical Evangelist and Professor of English, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Seattle
Thursday, March 13, 2025
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Adobe hosted an event at our Seattle office on March 13, 2025. University leaders from Washington, the Pacific Northwest, and beyond gathered to network and discuss the challenges and opportunities of the AI-driven era.
Lunch was provided during the conference, followed by an optional celebratory dinner.
Eileen G. Sullivan
Specialist Leader, State, Local and Higher Education Sector Higher Education Practice, Deloitte Consulting
Shauna Chung
Adobe Pedagogical Evangelist and former English faculty at the New York City College of Technology (CUNY)
Chicago
Tuesday, March 18, 2025
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We gathered in Chicago as university leaders from the Midwest and beyond explored the challenges and opportunities of the AI-driven era.
Sheneese Thompson (Howard University) shared insights on digital fluency and its role in solving complex challenges.
Event highlights:
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Brian Johnsrud and Roger Lee (Adobe) presented findings from Creativity with AI in Education, 2025, examining AI’s impact on teaching and learning.
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Joshua Meredith and Clark Edwards (Deloitte) discussed evolving workforce trends and strategies for preparing students for career success.
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Justin Hodgson and Shauna Chung (Adobe) demonstrated how AI-driven tools like Adobe Express and Acrobat AI Assistant are enhancing problem-solving and innovation in education.
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Clark Edwards
Workforce Transformation Manager, Deloitte’s Human Capital Practice, Deloitte Consulting
Shauna Chung
Adobe Pedagogical Evangelist and former English faculty at the New York City College of Technology (CUNY)
Let’s talk about how Adobe can help your graduates succeed.
Drive career readiness with higher education plans that support your entire campus.
Looking for information? Contact our Sales team.