Dean's Message
Welcome to the College of Information, Data and Society at San José State University.
It is an honor to serve as the inaugural dean of this new college and to welcome you to a community where information, data, artificial intelligence and human values come together to shape a better future. At the College of Information, Data and Society, we prepare students to understand not only how technology works, but also how it can be applied responsibly to improve lives, strengthen communities and serve the public good.
As I complete my first year as dean, I am grateful for the opportunity to work alongside an extraordinary community of faculty, staff and students. Every day, I am inspired by our faculty's commitment to teaching and discovery, our staff's dedication to student success, and our students' curiosity, resilience and drive to solve complex challenges. Together, we are building a college that reflects both the spirit of innovation and the responsibility that comes with it.
One of the greatest privileges of this past year was celebrating our graduates at the December 2025 and May 2026 commencement ceremonies. Shaking each graduate's hand as they crossed the stage—and sharing that moment with their families and supporters—was a powerful reminder of why our work matters. Our graduates leave SJSU with more than a degree. They graduate with the knowledge, hands-on experience and confidence to lead in their professions, contribute to their communities and make a meaningful impact in a rapidly changing world.
The College of Information, Data and Society was created at a pivotal moment. Information, data and artificial intelligence are transforming nearly every aspect of how we live, learn, work and connect. As these technologies evolve, so does our responsibility to ensure they are developed and applied thoughtfully, ethically and with people at the center.
That responsibility defines our college.
Our Vision
Our vision is to be the place where information, data and AI intersect with human values—and where education, research and collaboration empower people to solve society's most pressing challenges. Through interdisciplinary learning, research and partnerships, we prepare graduates who understand both the technical possibilities of emerging technologies and their broader impact on individuals, organizations and communities.
As Silicon Valley's public university, San José State offers unparalleled opportunities to connect learning with practice. We are expanding academic programs, strengthening research, creating more experiential learning opportunities and deepening partnerships with industry, government and community organizations. These collaborations allow students to apply what they learn, gain valuable experience and graduate prepared to thrive in careers that shape the future.
We are also welcoming exceptional leaders who will help guide our next chapter. I am pleased to welcome Dr. Sathish Kumar as Associate Dean for Research and Dr. Kristen Radscliff as Director of the School of Information. Together with our faculty and staff, they will strengthen our research enterprise, advance academic excellence and help prepare students to lead in an increasingly data-driven world.
The Spartan Edge
At the College of Information, Data and Society, students gain more than technical knowledge. They develop the Spartan Edge through interdisciplinary learning, hands-on experiences, research and collaboration that prepare them to lead with confidence, curiosity and integrity.
They learn to transform information into insight, data into action and emerging technologies into solutions that improve lives. They develop the skills to think critically, innovate responsibly and collaborate across disciplines—ensuring technology serves people and society.
Our graduates are prepared not simply to adapt to change, but to help shape it.
Get ready to innovate.
Get ready to make an impact.
Get ready to Spartan Up!
Sincerely,
Mehrdad Aliasgari, PhD
Inaugural Dean
College of Information, Data and Society
San José State University
