Biography and education
Jessica is an associate professor of instruction in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Texas State University.
She is the faculty advisor for the Texas State Student Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) and the course coordinator for MC1313, Media Writing, the foundational writing course for all journalism and electronic media majors.
Jessica has also served as the co-grant coordinator for the Texas State University MIPPA Project, a federally funded research grant that investigated media habits of Medicare-eligible Texans.
Her master's thesis, “Mobile Dating in the Digital Age: Computer-Mediated Communication and Relationship Building on Tinder,” focused on the gamification of mobile dating and its impact on user behavior. Her research on the topic has been published and cited in "Wired," "Bustle" and other peer-reviewed articles and media, including the book, "Sex in the Digital Age."
Professionally, Jessica worked as a city reporter at the Morning Journal in Lorain, Ohio, before moving to Texas. She has written for several newspapers in Northern Ohio, including the Fostoria Review Times and the Sandusky Register. She currently freelances for the San Marcos Daily Record.
Jessica received her M.A. in mass communication from Texas State University and her B.S. in journalism from Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio.
She is the faculty advisor for the Texas State Student Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) and the course coordinator for MC1313, Media Writing, the foundational writing course for all journalism and electronic media majors.
Jessica has also served as the co-grant coordinator for the Texas State University MIPPA Project, a federally funded research grant that investigated media habits of Medicare-eligible Texans.
Her master's thesis, “Mobile Dating in the Digital Age: Computer-Mediated Communication and Relationship Building on Tinder,” focused on the gamification of mobile dating and its impact on user behavior. Her research on the topic has been published and cited in "Wired," "Bustle" and other peer-reviewed articles and media, including the book, "Sex in the Digital Age."
Professionally, Jessica worked as a city reporter at the Morning Journal in Lorain, Ohio, before moving to Texas. She has written for several newspapers in Northern Ohio, including the Fostoria Review Times and the Sandusky Register. She currently freelances for the San Marcos Daily Record.
Jessica received her M.A. in mass communication from Texas State University and her B.S. in journalism from Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio.
Teaching Interests
Research Interests
Featured grants
- James, Jessica Lynn. SPJ IRE memberships, Headliners Foundation, Private / Foundation / Corporate, $500. (Submitted: 2024, Funded: 2024). Grant.
- James, Jessica Lynn. SPJ NOLA Region 8/12 Conference, Headliners Foundation, Private / Foundation / Corporate, $725. (Submitted: 2024, Funded: 2024). Grant.
- James, Jessica Lynn. SPJ to launch NAHJ Chapter, Headliners, Private / Foundation / Corporate, $500. (Submitted: 2024, Funded: 2024). Grant.
- James, Jessica Lynn. SPJ TAB Conference Student Registration, Headliners Foundation, Private / Foundation / Corporate, $500. (Submitted: 2024, Funded: 2024). Grant.
- James, Jessica Lynn. SPJ national conference registration, Headliners Foundation, Private / Foundation / Corporate, $910. (Submitted: 2023, Funded: 2023). Grant.

Featured scholarly/creative works
- Higgins Joyce, V. D., James, J. L., & Khani, Z. (2017). TV and Web Cultivating Health Perceptions among older Latinos in Texas.
- James, J. L. (n.d.). Love at our Fingertips: Exploring the Design Implications of Mobile Dating Technologies. In Sex in the Digital Age. 5 Howick Place, London SW1P 1WG, England: Routledge.
Featured awards
- Award / Honor Recipient: Shining Star Under 40, San Marcos Chamber of Commerce. November 18, 2024 - Present
- Award / Honor Recipient: Teaching Award of Honor, Texas State University Alumni Association. August 21, 2020 - Present
- Award / Honor Recipient: Teaching News Terrifically, AEJMC. March 25, 2024 - August 9, 2024
- Award / Honor Nominee: Award for Excellence in Online Teaching, Texas State University. October 28, 2023 - January 29, 2024
- Award / Honor Recipient: Presidential Award for Excellence in Teaching, Texas State University. September 15, 2022 - February 10, 2023

Featured service activities
- Participant
Bobcat Preview Day
- Attendee / Participant
Headliners Scholarship Luncheon
- Speaker
The University Star
- Attendee / Participant
SPJ Scholarship Dinner
- Volunteer
Youth Service Bureau of San Marcos
- Member
San Marcos Zoning Board of Adjustments member