Letter from the Director

Hey there and welcome to JMC.

My name is John Delacruz and I am the Director of the School of Journalism and Mass Communications. I am also a Professor of Advertising and Adobe Education Leader. It is my pleasure to welcome you to the School, or to offer you a few words about us if you’re still deciding if JMC at SJSU is the right choice for you.

Communication With Purpose

At the School of Journalism and Mass Communications at San José State University, we prepare students to become ethical, creative and forward-thinking communicators. As part of a public university, we believe in access, opportunity and education that serves the public good.

Grounded in the First Amendment

We are rooted in a strong belief in the First Amendment and the essential role of free expression, a free press, and responsible communication in a democratic society. Our students learn that communication is not just a skill—it’s a responsibility.

Interdisciplinary by Design

Our majors and our minors in advertising, journalism, and public relations work together because that’s how the real world works. Students learn to think across disciplines, collaborate, and adapt while pushing the boundaries of emerging technologies, from social and digital media to data, AI, and new storytelling tools.

Collaboration with external organizations is key to our success and we partner with on and off campus nonprofits and businesses to enhance our students’ learning. We are also always exploring new ways to engage. As a result,  we have developed minors in Spanish Language Media as well as a minor in Digital Media and another in Meteorology. Sitting alongside our stateside public relations program we offer students who may need to follow a non-traditional path  the opportunity to complete a public relations degree via SJSU Online.

Learning by Doing

We believe the most powerful learning happens through experience. Students report real stories, create campaigns for real clients and gain hands-on experience through internships, campus media, and community partnerships. These high-impact opportunities help students graduate career-ready and self-assured.

Of course, our student-driven media plays a big part in our learning by doing initiatives. The multi-award winning Spartan Daily and our public broadcast Update News combine excellent journalism and the opportunity to collaborate in our newsrooms. The Spear magazine focuses on on-campus sports and Access magazine on the lifestyle and culture of our student body. These, together with DBH Agency, an award-winning advertising and public relations agency with a roster of on-and-off campus clients, provide our students with experience, hands-on learning and portfolio pieces that will help them score an industry job once they graduate.

Rooted in Community

Located in the heart of San José and Silicon Valley, we are shaped by one of the most diverse regions in the country. Many of our students are first-generation college students, and we value lived experience, multiple perspectives, and public service. Our students don’t just study communication — they use it to engage, inform and make a difference.

John Delacruz
Director (2024-Present) and Professor, School of Journalism and Mass Communications
408-924-3261
john.delacruz@sjsu.edu
DBH 103

• Phylis W. Johnson, Ph.D. (2016-2024)
• Robert Rucker, M.S. (2012-2016)
• William G. Briggs, Ph.D. (2006-2012)
• Dennis L. Wilcox, Ph.D. (2002-2006)
• Kenneth W. Blasé, J.D. (1990-2002)
• Dennis E. Brown, Ph.D. (1972-1990)
• Charles E. Marshall, M.S. (1969-1972)