Pendyala: Why San Jose State University deserves a UC future

In a time when higher education is being increasingly threatened by federal budget cuts and other policies, the state government should do all it can to bolster it. San Jose State University is now officially recognized as a national research university with an R2 designation awarded by the Carnegie Foundation and the American Council on Education.

SJSU’s research expenditure is $83.4 million, far greater than the $50 million threshold for R1. The only reason SJSU could not achieve an R1 status is because the Donahoe Higher Education Act prevents it and other California State University campuses from awarding sufficient Ph.D.s to meet the R1 status requirement.

The workaround I propose is for SJSU to join the University of California system, which enables it to offer more doctorate degrees and be recognized commensurate with its achievements.

Silicon Valley has been a happening place for global innovation. UC’s focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education aligns perfectly with the needs of the valley. A primary factor fueling innovation and the enterprise is the availability of trained manpower. Including SJSU in the UC system can attract more talented students and faculty, thereby helping contain the tech exodus from the valley. It may, in fact, attract more companies to the valley and result in more startups, bolstering the city and state economy.

Faculty will be better motivated to serve the research and teaching needs of the world. As a faculty member, I regularly give talks on data science related topics to audiences in many parts of the world, such as the UK, Peru, China and India. I use innovative pedagogical strategies such as offering flipped classes. Access to the UC brand, resources and funding can significantly improve our outreach and the quality of education in SJSU and Silicon Valley. The inclusion will foster collaboration and knowledge exchange between campuses, leading to innovative teaching and research initiatives.

The inclusion will certainly pose some challenges, but they can be met with the government’s will and prioritization. Upgrading the charter of a public university requires state funding and administrative overhaul. SJSU is the founding campus of the CSU system and  the largest. Taking it away may not be a welcome suggestion for some, but losing founders to other companies is not new to Silicon Valley.

Admission to a UC campus is highly competitive. The administration must make sure that the charter changes do not impact SJSU’s ability to serve underrepresented minorities and undergraduate students. The impact of the inclusion on the current faculty, staff and students needs to be carefully considered and addressed. Public opinion and support from key stakeholders, including lawmakers and educators, would also be crucial.

The demand for high-quality educational opportunities is increasing with the rapid evolution of technology in the age of generative AI. It may be true that the landscape of higher education has changed substantially since the passage of the Donahoe Higher Education Act. Revisiting the act may be a long-term goal, but the state should not wait for it to move SJSU into the UC system.

SJSU, with its strong academic programs, research initiatives and growing reputation, is already well-positioned to contribute to UC’s mission of research, innovation and public service. The act envisioned the UC system as a driver of innovation and research, attracting world-class faculty and fostering groundbreaking discoveries. The potential benefits of moving SJSU into the UC system are significant and align well with the core principles of the act.

Integrating SJSU into the UC will not only enhance SJSU’s research capabilities, but also enrich the UC system as a whole. It is the right time for the state and city to make it happen.