Pepperdine University has earned recognition from Google and the Digital Education Council (DEC) for its innovative use of artificial intelligence in higher education. In August 2026, Pepperdine was named one of the first Gemini Reference Universities in North America, highlighting its work with Google Gemini and AI in education. This designation provides the university with global recognition, early access to emerging AI features, and a network of education leaders.
Additionally, Pepperdine joined the DEC as a Gold Tier member in July 2026, gaining access to research, working groups, and global summits on digital governance and AI ethics. The university's chief information officer, Jonathan See, emphasized the collaborative benefits, noting that Pepperdine can share and learn best practices from other international institutions.
To address concerns about data privacy and security, Pepperdine's IT department established a 'Tiered Trust' AI classification framework and launched extensive professional development campaigns. Between September 2025 and June 2026, the IT Training team delivered 98 live sessions, engaging nearly 700 unique employees. Departments across the university have already begun implementing these tools, with notable results in contract management, data structuring, and legal education.
These achievements reflect Pepperdine's deliberate strategy to integrate AI across campus, positioning it as a leader in global higher education innovation. The university's efforts underscore its commitment to enhancing teaching, research, and the overall student experience through technology.