Dean's Message
Welcome to the College of Information, Data and Society at San José State University.
It is my distinct honor to serve as the inaugural Dean of a college built for this very moment. In an era defined by data and intelligent systems, and situated in the heart of Silicon Valley, our college stands at the pivotal intersection of technology, information, and humanity.
To our current and prospective students, our community partners, and the public, I want to share a clear vision: we are committed to being at the absolute forefront of innovation. Our mission is to shape the future through ethical and groundbreaking research and teaching in Information Science, Artificial Intelligence, and Cybersecurity.
The ‘Society’ in our name is deliberate. We do not just study technologies that interface with data and information, but how information and data intersect with human lives, cultures, and communities. Our faculty and curriculum address critical societal challenges: from ethical data governance and privacy to bridging the digital divide and ensuring equitable access to information. Our graduates will be the responsible innovators and leaders who understand the profound societal implications of their work.
But what we teach and research on is only part of our story. Central to our identity is how we learn. Experiential learning is the core of our DNA. Here, education transcends the traditional classroom. Our students will immerse themselves in hands-on projects, tackle real-world challenges, and collaborate directly with industry leaders. This approach ensures that when you graduate, you are not just knowledgeable, but are an experienced problem-solver, ready to lead and innovate from day one.
To our students: You are the next generation of creators, analysts, and digital guardians. Here, you will not just study the future of information science, AI or cybersecurity; you will build it, equipped with the critical skills and ethical framework to make a lasting impact.
To our community and industry partners: We are not just an academic institution; we are your collaborator in innovation. We invite you to partner with our brilliant students and faculty, share your challenges, and help us build the talent pipeline that will drive our society forward.
The creation of this college is a bold statement about the future of public higher education—one that is dynamic, responsive and deeply committed to fostering the social mobility that transforms lives.
Whether you are a student eager to make your mark, a faculty member pushing the boundaries of knowledge or a partner looking to collaborate on the next big idea, I welcome you. Let us shape a more intelligent, secure, and equitable future, together.
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
