The College of Social Science Dean’s Advisory Committee of Support Staff recently announced John ‘JJ’ Thomas as the winner of the 2026 Matt Hansen Award for Support Staff.
JJ joined the College of Social Science communications team in 2022 as the communications manager for the School of Criminal Justice. He leads strategic communications on behalf of the program through news articles, press releases, social media posts and website management. He has been with the school since 2018, first as Assistant to the Director before transitioning into the role of Communications Manager over time.
“JJ embodies a rare combination of professionalism, commitment to his community and impeccable skill illustrated in his impactful excellent daily work,” said Becky Jensen, Senior Communications & Marketing Officer for the College of Social Science. “He is not only a talented communications professional, but he also treats everyone with respect. He truly values his Spartan community. He wants others to feel supported and thrive in our work environment. JJ furthers this sentiment with all people who cross his path.”
JJ’s hard work has led to several high-profile mentions of faculty research in external news media, including a very successful campaign to raise awareness for the MSU Center for Cybercrime Investigation and Training, the first and only center of its kind. He particularly enjoys sharing the incredible work students, faculty, and alumni of the School are doing and finding new ways to introduce people to the field of Criminal Justice.
“It is humbling to have been nominated for the Matt Hansen Support Staff Award,” said Thomas. “I am fortunate to be surrounded by incredible co-workers, who themselves are equally deserving of this award. Any success I have had here is really a reflection of the incredible staff, students, and faculty in the School of Criminal Justice and College of Social Science.”
JJ is a MSU alumnus with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in communication. He is passionate about creativity-driven projects and runs his own personal consulting agency that serves to help small businesses build their brands and achieve their business goals. An avid fisher, he has translated his love for the hobby into a small business selling fishing lures. He also enjoys biking, playing guitar, and vacations up north with his family. He lives north of Grand Ledge with his wife Brooke and daughter Presley.