Swan, Joe B. (1929-2008)
Date Updated
10-23-2019
Department
School of Journalism and Mass Communication
Academic Rank
Professor
Year Retired from SJSU
FERP 1989; 1994
Educational Background
Howard Payne University, Brownwood TX, 1957 M.Ed.
Howard Payne University, Brownwood, TX, 1954 BA
Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX, Journalism Classes
San Antonio College, Photo
University of Southern California, Cinema & Photography
Teaching Experience
San Jose State University,1962-1994
Superior, Wis., State University, 1957-1960
Howard Payne University, 1956-1957
Howard Payne University, 1953-1955
Administrative and Professional Experience
Publicity Director, Howard Payne University (3 years).
Publicity Director, Superior, Wis., State University (2 years).
Public Relations Editor, Texas A & M University (1 year, 1961‑62).
Selected Publications
Co‑Author, Modern Journalism, Pitman Publishing, 1962.
Numerous articles and photos for Texas Parade Magazine, 1961‑62, including: "Outrunning Mrs. Astor's Horse" (a brief biography of Stanley Walker, New York's most famous city editor).
Many newspaper and magazine articles and photos for other publications.
Files
Personal Commentary
For 25 years at San Jose State University was head of the Photo Journalism Sequence in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication. Graduates of the program include Pulitzer Prize Winners for Photography (1970) and (1987) and a photographer and film editor for 1973s Oscar‑winning film, "The Great American Cowboy." Other outstanding grads include David Yarnold, Managing Editor of The San Jose Mercury News; and numerous photo editors and photographers at many American newspapers including both San Francisco papers, the Los Angeles Times, the New York Times, Newsday, the New Orleans Times‑Picayune, etc. and many small papers. Several grads became California Press Photographer of the Year, and others have been photographer of the Year in other states (Michigan, Texas, Louisiana, New Mexico) (Regional Photographer) for example. Others have earned numerous national honors. In 1973 and 1986, Joe Swan was honored at the National Press Photographer's Association's National Convention with these awards:
1973 Citation: "For his ability and tireless efforts in instructing future photojournalists and for his enterprise in forming the first student chapter of NPPA."
1986 Kenneth P. McLaughin Award of Merit (one of the Association's highest awards): "In recognition of his successful development of many young photojournalists by his continued leadership and encouragement, as well as his outstanding service to the photojournalism profession."
Professor Swan will receive Howard Payne University's Distinguished Alumnus Award at its Homecoming Banquet on campus October 18, 1996, in Brownwood, Texas.
Date Completed: 7/96
Adapted from: Biographies of Retired Faculty San Jose State University 1997: A Project of the Emeritus Faculty Association of San Jose State University. San Jose, CA: The University, 1997.