James Helland

Biography

Jim Helland received his bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from the SDSU Department of Journalism and Mass Communication. He spent 27 years in the newspaper industry, working at the Lennox Independent, the Aberdeen American News, the Sioux Falls Argus Leader, USA Today and the Las Vegas Review-Journal. He has wide experience in the field, having worked as a sports writer, news reporter, copy editor, copy desk chief, design editor and city editor.

He has taught many of the writing courses at SDSU, including basic newswriting, public affairs reporting, magazine writing and editing, sports writing and advanced reporting. He also has taught media law, editing, history of journalism, introduction to digital media and public affairs in a university setting.

In addition to his teaching duties, Helland serves as one of the two advisers to the Journalism Club and also works closely with professional media outlets across South Dakota.

He served as an adjunct professor at SDSU and Augustana University in Sioux Falls before starting full time at State in fall 2013. He was named Teacher of the Year for the College of Arts and Sciences for the 2015-2016 academic year.