At San José State, student success is rooted in the dedication of our faculty, staff and the broader Spartan community. Like the strong roots of a thriving tree, their efforts provide the foundation for our students to grow, branch out and make a lasting impact. This commitment is reflected not only in our national recognition as a top public university in the West, our leadership in AI, sustainability and public interest technology and our new national designation as an R2 university — but also in the way our students thrive beneath the same historic trees that have stood watch over generations of Spartans on Tower Lawn and across campus. Groundbreaking research, innovative teaching and career readiness initiatives are happening everywhere at SJSU, transforming local Spartan pride into global reach and helping students take their first steps toward careers that will help shape industries and communities.

The heartbeat of all we do are the people who make our success possible. The faculty, staff, students and alumni who dedicate themselves to discovery, service and progress embody the spirit of SJSU. “I’ve been so lucky that my professors have encouraged me to study how my work on the legal policy side can be applied to different communities,” says Cade Story-Yetto, ’25 MA Higher Education Leadership, whose work is already benefiting community college students in the Bay Area.

For pioneering students like Grace Vincent, ’25 Aviation, SJSU offered a sense of belonging and a springboard to become the first ROTC cadet from San José State to be commissioned as a lieutenant through the new Space Force exclusive pipeline.

“There’s a difference between walking around campus in uniform alone versus walking in uniform next to other people,” she says. “That gives me a huge sense of pride and responsibility to something bigger.”

Their contributions remind us that being a Spartan is more than a title — it is a lifelong commitment to excellence, inclusion and innovation.

As we look to the future, our university grows from deep and resilient roots, allowing us to reach ever higher. Our enrollment is thriving, our mission is clear and our momentum is undeniable. Even as we navigate shifting landscapes, our purpose remains steadfast — like the branches of a tree, adapting to changing seasons while staying firmly anchored in strong foundations.

Honoring our roots as the first public university in the West, SJSU drives innovation and empowers students to thrive. With a spirit of creativity and academic excellence, we continue to transform our community, Silicon Valley and the world. I invite you to be part of this journey and to share your own Spartan story.

Sincerely,

Dr. Cynthia Teniente-Matson President