Jessica James
Jessica James spent years chasing stories as a newspaper reporter in Ohio. Today, she brings that reporter's instinct and an unconventional approach to storytelling into her work with students.
From the crime beat in Ohio to the classroom at Texas State
Jessica James, Professor at School of Journalism and Mass Communication.
What were you doing professionally before you became a professor?
James's route to journalism, she says, was almost accidental. She began reporting in college at Bowling Green State University in her home state of Ohio, working as a reporter for three years and serving as a features editor her senior year.
"I was never the best student, but I was reliable, I was teachable, and I knew how to talk to people, and I enjoyed talking to people," James said.
That reliability turned into a full-time career. She reported at the Sandusky Register and the Fostoria Review Times before spending the majority of her career at the Morning Journal in Lorain, Ohio, just west of Cleveland. There, she worked the night beat as primarily a crime reporter, collaborating with police, attorneys and detectives while also taking on lifestyle and feature pieces.
"The night shift gives you a taste of everything," she said. "You're kind of a utility player."
Her path to Texas State came through Sandhya Rao, the department's former graduate advisor and a Bowling Green State University alumna who recruited her. James went on to serve as a graduate instructional assistant, working alongside the late Kym Fox, and contributed to major grant-funded research the SJMC department received in 2015. After earning her master's degree, that work transitioned into a full-time teaching position.
What accomplishment from that time are you most proud of?
James says she is most proud of the opportunities she grew into, ones she didn't initially see for herself. While she long viewed herself as a dependable “copilot” rather than a leader, staying open to mentorship helped her step into bigger roles.
"I didn't necessarily see myself as a leader, but I always saw myself as a good right-hand man," she said. "Leaning on people to mentor and guide you helps create a reciprocal relationship."
That growth led her to become the course coordinator for MC 1313 Media Writing, a foundational course taken by all SJMC journalism and electronic media majors and taught by 10 faculty members. She credits Kym Fox with opening that door.
Sara Shields leads a class discussion at SJMC
Leading Students Beyond the Classroom
Beyond teaching, James has served as the faculty adviser for the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) since 2015. In that role, she brings speakers to campus and creates opportunities for students to attend conferences and networking events through grant writing and other efforts.
This year, the chapter was named a Region 8 Finalist for the SPJ Outstanding Campus Chapter Award, an honor encompassing all college SPJ chapters across Texas and Oklahoma. In October, the chapter will travel to Columbus, Ohio, to compete against the other 12 regions for National Chapter of the Year.
James is listed as special sections editor on The BG News masthead, Bowling Green State University.
The SPJ Region 8 Finalist certificate for Outstanding Campus Chapter Award, presented Oct. 18, 2025.
James with students representing SJMC’s SPJ chapter at the national conference in Las Vegas.
What skills from your career do you use most in the classroom today?
James describes herself as an unconventional thinker who resists being confined to a single way of doing things.
While she acknowledges journalism has its rules, she encourages creativity and storytelling above all. "Storytelling is everything," James said.
"When you're able to think creatively about the purpose, the intent and how a story can be told more consciously, students are able to recognize the value in thinking outside the box, thinking beyond the single, one-way narrative."
Puppets and props from James's office reflect her unconventional approach to teaching storytelling.
What advice would you give SJMC students preparing for their careers?
James with students at the Headliners Foundation Scholarship Luncheon.
Her advice to students mirrors the guidance she once received: follow the signs you may have unintentionally set up for yourself, and stay flexible.
"Have an idea, but don't be afraid to deviate too far off the path. It's almost a template, it's not a guideline," James said.
"I would encourage students to be more flexible, because better or more lucrative opportunities tend to be less instructional and more organic."
Who are some notable mentors and faculty that you have worked with?
James points to three mentors who shaped her path. The first is the late Kym Fox, whom she calls "a juggernaut in our department for so long."
"She really did lay the groundwork for myself and the success of countless others," James said.
The second is Sandhya Rao, the former graduate advisor who recruited her to Texas State and retired a few years ago.
"She would never take a thank you; she considered it part of her responsibility," James said. "She commanded so much respect, and if you heeded her advice, you ended up doing well. She gave us the platform and the instructions, and it was up to us to put the pieces together."
She also credits Judy Oskam, the school’s director. "As a boss, it's a difficult job to appease everyone and manage in a way that benefits the collective," James said. "But I really do feel seen and heard and respected by Judy, despite being one of 40 faculty members. She's a creative thinker, not afraid to put an idea out there; she's a great coach, if you will."
James with SJMC faculty and students at the Headliners Foundation Scholarship Luncheon
About SJMC
The Texas State School of Journalism and Mass Communication prepares students for careers in media through hands-on learning and guidance from faculty with professional industry experience.
Article produced by graduate assistants Isaac Adjei & Chinaza Okechukwu, who conducted the interview, collected photos, built the webpage, and published the story for the School of Journalism and Mass Communication.