March 4, 2025. The SJSU College of Information, Data, and Society is pleased to announce that Dr. Sandy Hirsh has been appointed Special Advisor to the Provost on AI Curricular Initiatives. This role is supported by a generous gift from the Adobe Foundation. This appointment recognizes Dr. Hirsh’s distinguished leadership and expertise in navigating the complex intersection of technology and education.
In this newly created position, Dr. Hirsh will facilitate crucial campus-wide dialogues on integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into SJSU’s curriculum. She will focus on fostering critical reflection and collaborative discussions among faculty, departments and programs to explore AI’s profound implications for the future of higher education.
“We are thrilled to see Dr. Hirsh take on this vital role. Her extensive experience and visionary approach will be instrumental in guiding SJSU’s strategic engagement with AI, ensuring our curriculum remains relevant and responsive to the evolving needs of our students and communities.” – Michael Meth, Interim Dean, College of IDS.
Dr. Hirsh, a nationally recognized leader in library and information science, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this position. Her work has consistently addressed the impact of technology on learning, interaction and education, as evidenced by her prolific publications, including the recently released Library 2035: Imagining the Next Generation of Libraries.
“The rapid advancement of AI presents opportunities and challenges for higher education. I aim to create a platform for thoughtful and inclusive conversations that will empower SJSU to critically examine and adapt to these transformative technologies, ensuring our students are prepared to navigate the complexities of an AI-driven world.” – Sandy Hirsh, Associate Dean, Academics, College of IDS
It is important to note that while taking on this new role, Dr. Hirsh will continue to serve as Associate Dean – Academics for SJSU’s College of IDS, demonstrating her ongoing commitment to the college and its academic excellence.
Dr. Hirsh will convene faculty from across the university to provide advisory input on the role of AI in curriculum development. This initiative will complement ongoing campus-wide efforts, including those of the AI Advisory Committee, student programming, career services and Academic Senate discussions.
SJSU is committed to ensuring its educational frameworks reflect its dedication to equity and inclusive excellence. By fostering dialogue and collaborative initiatives, the university aims to prepare students to engage with AI in an innovative and socially responsible manner.
The College of IDS looks forward to supporting Dr. Hirsh in this critical endeavor and continuing to advance SJSU’s leadership in technology-driven education.
