Adobe Creative Campus Innovator San Diego State University prepares students for an AI future
- Oct 6, 2025
- 3 min read
Adobe Creative Campus Innovator San Diego State University prepares students for an AI future
For generations, San Diego State University (SDSU) has challenged students to learn from the past while also looking to the future, forging a tight-knit community built around inclusivity, diversity, and academic excellence. The university embraces technology as part of its goals. In particular, SDSU stands out for its forward-thinking approach to generative AI, with strategies aimed at preparing students, faculty, and staff to thrive in an AI future.
SDSU became an Adobe Creative Campus in 2020 for this commitment to digital literacy and innovation. More recently, Adobe recognized SDSU as one of the first Adobe Creative Campus Innovators—a new designation given to universities that go above and beyond to engage students.
“The Adobe Creative Campus Innovator recognition reaffirms our commitment to giving every student access to the creative and communication skills they’ll need to thrive in an AI-augmented future,” said James Frazee, SDSU’s vice president for Information Technology and CIO.
Teaching generative AI to students, faculty, and staff
Frazee leads multiple initiatives at SDSU that prepare students to use AI responsibly, from embedding AI into required courses to leveling the playing field with access to secure, enterprise-grade AI tools for all.
SDSU created the Academic Applications of AI (AAAI) Micro-Credential for all students, faculty, and staff. This microcredential provides comprehensive training that teaches people how to prompt generative AI models, use them responsibly, and apply them to academic, operational and research projects. One of the five modules guides learners through creating a project with Adobe Express and Adobe Firefly generative AI tools. Upon completing the microcredential, participants receive a digital badge that they can display on resumes and LinkedIn pages—proof of their fluency with generative AI.
Introducing generative AI to all incoming students
SDSU recently made major steps to introduce generative AI and creative thinking to students by incorporating Adobe Express into the First Year Seminar (FYS) that reaches more than 4,000 incoming students through 228 course selections every year.
One of the core projects of FYS is the Life Tree project, a semester-long activity that encourages students to reflect on their identity, values, and aspirations. In the past, many students expressed their Life Trees as flat, two-dimensional slides. Now, students are encouraged to use Adobe Express and its generative AI tools to create dynamic Life Trees that can include motion graphics, video, music, and links to build deeper skills in digital storytelling and portfolio development.
According to Stephen Schellenberg, professor of Earth and Environmental Sciences and faculty fellow for FYS, “Adobe Express helps us provide opportunities for students to build confidence and develop transferrable skills that they can apply across any field.”
Forming a strong foundation with experienced faculty
Creating an innovative classroom experience for students starts with faculty and staff. SDSU invests in ways to support faculty, both through formal training and collaboration.
SDSU held a two-day training session that guided FYS faculty through Adobe Express and its features. Faculty left with confidence in their skills and ideas about how they could use the technology in their classrooms.
SDSU also created the Community of Practice, which gathers FYS faculty together in weekly meetings to share successes, challenges, and best practices.
“When faculty are supported, they can enrich the student experience,” said Rebeca Navarrete, director of the First Year Seminar (FYS) and the Undeclared Success Program. “Our partnership with Adobe has been defined by a shared commitment to supporting meaningful learning experiences for our students and instructors.”
Setting the pace as an innovative education leader
SDSU continually strives to improve programs that engage students with generative AI. The university launched a groundbreaking AI Survey, collecting data that helps SDSU understand how students think about generative AI and what the university can do to meet needs and improve access.
“Being named an Adobe Creative Campus Innovator validates our philosophy that creativity, storytelling, and digital fluency are essential complements to technical skills,” Frazee said.
Interested in integrating Adobe tools on your campus? See the full list of Adobe Creative Campus Innovators and find out more about becoming an Adobe Creative Campus.
