Professional radio broadcaster Michael Adams left individuals in his department mourning his death, after spending over 40 years at San José State’s Department of Film, Theatre and Dance. 

Adams was well known for creating SJSU’s radio station, KSJS.

Kimb Massey, professor in Radio, Television and Film, said putting KSJS on the map was not easy for Adams, but he became a strong leader over the years to make it happen.

“He lifted KSJS to College Station of the Year, a national title the station won repeatedly,” Massey said. “Mike would have been reelected Chair forever if he hadn’t been snagged by the dean to be the Associate Dean of Humanities and Arts.”

Adams was responsible for establishing KSJS the way it is today under his management. 

“Mike always approached his leadership with integrity and good humor. When a problem arose or a challenge was presented, he would put his hand to his ear,” Massey said.

Besides carrying KSJS to new heights, he made several accomplishments during his tenure.

Massey said Adams’ achievements include producing and publishing academic works in the history of SJSU’s Department of Film, Theatre and Dance.

Adams was also responsible for producing and directing television documentaries centering on the history of radio, such as the Emmy-nominated PBS series “Radio Collector” and “Broadcasting’s Forgotten Father.”

Massey also said Adams received awards such as AWA Houck Award, the RCA Ralph Batcher Award and the TCA Stokes Award from his broadcast history research on the radio.

“Mike’s research completely corrected a long-standing fact of radio history that reported the first radio station as being KDKA on the East Coast,” Massey said.

He said besides Adams making a name for himself at SJSU, he was a kind-hearted person and was well respected in the Department of Film, Theatre and Dance and individuals close to him.

Beth von Till, SJSU lecturer in Communication Studies, said Adams was a congenial colleague with a great sense of humor and had a wonderful speaking voice. 

Von Till also said she believes that Adams had a powerful voice due to his impact on the university.

“He was the voice of SJSU,” Von Till said. “It was his voice you would hear if you called the main campus number for information. His voice was the one you heard narrating faculty biographies at the honors luncheons for faculty and staff.”

Von Till said she can never forget his voice, which is cemented throughout SJSU’s legacy.

“When I think of my 34 years on campus, it is his voice I hear in my memories,” Till said.

Von Till said Adams was also a person that deeply cared about others around him.

“He taught me, protected me, gave me opportunities, inspiration, support and constant encouragement,” Massey said.

Massey said he formed a close friendship with Adams over the years and has many positive memories in knowing him.

Most notably, she remembered her and Adams co-authored a radio production book called “Introduction to Radio: Production and Programming.”

During the process of piercing their book, Massey remembers him being on a PC while she herself was on a Mac while writing.

“We ended up spending endless hours reading each other’s writing in hard copy while strategizing our next chapters. Mike didn’t have to write a book with me,” Massey said. “He had plenty of other things he could have been doing that were easier and perhaps, more productive.”

She said she truly appreciated him being there for her and is thankful for him supporting whatever she does.

“And the final ‘Adams Award’ for lifetime achievement as the best colleague, friend and mentor goes to Mike Adams himself; a happy and carefree guy,” Massey said.