What does responsible, system‑wide AI adoption look like in higher education? In this episode, we explore how a large public university system is integrating AI thoughtfully and equitably. Dr. Edmund Clark, Chief Information Officer for the California State University system, explains why CSU implemented system‑wide access to ChatGPT, how they’re balancing equity, privacy, and academic integrity, and why industry partners say critical thinking and other durable skills matter more than ever in an AI‑driven workforce.  

Bio:

Dr. Edmund Clark is Chief Information Officer for the California State University Office of the Chancellor, where he leads technology strategy for the nation’s largest four-year public university system. In this role, he has helped shape CSU’s first comprehensive systemwide IT Strategic Plan, co-developed the CSU AI Strategy, advanced the AI Commons Hub and AI Workforce Acceleration Board, strengthened cybersecurity through the creation of the Cyber Fusion Center, and oversaw the largest PeopleSoft cloud migration in U.S. higher education. His leadership has also helped launch shared services that are saving more than $20 million annually for reinvestment in strategic priorities. Across a career spanning multiple universities, Dr. Clark has led digital transformation efforts that support student success, research, and institutional effectiveness. He serves on the boards of 1EdTech, CENIC, and the National Center for Teacher Residencies, teaches information systems at Cal State Fullerton, and previously was recognized as Minnesota’s nonprofit CIO of the year.