Perplexity Available to TXST
Texas State University Integrates Perplexity.ai Enterprise Pro
As AI proficiency stands between us and the future, education must help this generation leap forward. – Dr. Ivilina Popova, Professor of Finance, McCoy College of Business, Texas State University
SAN MARCOS – Texas State University has launched a groundbreaking initiative to integrate Perplexity.ai Enterprise Pro into its digital ecosystem, offering the AI-powered research assistant at no additional cost to all students, faculty, and staff with a txstate.edu email address. This bold move positions TXST as a higher education leader in digital transformation and underscores the university’s commitment to information access, critical thinking, and AI fluency.
TRANSFORMING RESEARCH
Unlike traditional search engines that return lists of links, Perplexity.ai Enterprise Pro delivers up-to-date, evidence-based responses with citations for easy verification. This capability eliminates the need to sift through conflicting information and streamlines the research process across academic and operational settings.
“Perplexity is more than a research tool—it’s a catalyst for transforming how we teach, learn, and engage with information,” explains Chief Information Officer and Vice President for Information Technology Matt Hall. “It’s changing the way our entire community discovers, questions, and applies knowledge.”
Vice President for Research Dr. Shreek Mandayam appreciates Perplexity’s ability to deliver real-time web data responses, sharing this example: “For instance, when I needed to quickly determine how many Texas institutions were members of the American Association of Universities, Perplexity provided the answer immediately. Its responsiveness and reliability made it a valuable resource in that moment.”
ENHANCING STUDENT SUCCESS
For students, the platform’s impact extends well beyond the classroom. “McCoy College is pioneering AI integration—embedding it across the curriculum, investing in faculty development, and forging industry partnerships,” observes Dr. Sanjay Ramchander, Dean of the McCoy College of Business. “These efforts ensure our graduates are equipped to harness AI responsibly and drive meaningful impact in an evolving business landscape.”
By working with enterprise-grade platforms like Perplexity.ai, TXST students gain the real-world skills employers are looking for in an increasingly AI-driven workplace. University Provost Pranesh Aswath is an advocate of institution-wide AI fluency. “Access to AI applications like Perplexity empowers faculty and students to explore ideas more deeply, personalize learning experiences, and accelerate discovery,” states Dr. Aswath. “These technologies are essential instruments for fostering innovation, critical thinking, and academic excellence.”
PROVIDING INSTITUTIONAL AI SOLUTIONS
Perplexity’s launch is part of a broader digital literacy initiative reflecting TXST’s commitment to informed and responsible use of emerging technologies. AI fluency is foundational to future-ready education,” said Dr. Tahir Ekin, Director of the TXST Center for Analytics and Data Sciences. “Tools like Perplexity empower discovery, lifelong learning, and innovation.”
LOOKING AHEAD
As machine learning evolves, the university will continue introducing solutions to support teaching and learning. Faculty support the move. "Texas State is taking a big step in building campus-wide AI fluency by giving all students, faculty, and staff access to Perplexity Enterprise Pro,” says Dr. Ju Long, Professor in the Department of Information Systems & Analytics. “Perplexity makes it easier to explore, learn, and research with AI, helping our community stay ahead in an increasingly AI-powered world.“