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Through the Gustavus Japanese Studies Department, students study the Japanese language, literature, history, politics, art, and religion. Plus, there's a required semester abroad in Japan, and faculty mentoring.

Jared Land faculty member and co-chair in the Theatre & Dance Department where he specializes in lighting and sound design for live performances. Jared's work has been featured with companies throughout the south as well as in New York state and California. Before beginning his career with Gustavus in 2024, he taught and designed for 16 years with the University of Texas at Arlington. He received his MFA from the University of Memphis.

Jaren Crist is a professor of Psychology. His work and research focus on understanding race and racism in America. He uses critical race theory to study the systemic nature and impact of racism. His approach is interdisciplinary, and he is part of the Peace, Justice, and Conflict Studies program. As a teacher, he believes that learning should be fun and engaging. He challenges students to think critically about the topics covered in class. He also wants students to understand how these concepts relate to their everyday lives. Jaren is also involved with the psychology department's Social Justice Club. This club is a place for students to meet and discuss psychological research that addresses various social issues in the world. The club is open to all students and is a great chance to discuss social issues. Outside of Gustavus, Jaren is an avid gamer and enjoys listening to music. 

The jazz program at Gustavus Adolphus College is a welcoming community for musicians of all levels. Featuring two big bands and a variety of small combos, the program provides various opportunities for you to develop your skills, work with guest artists, and explore your passion for jazz.

The student-run jazz club organizes jam sessions and coordinates trips to hear jazz professionals perform live. Whether you're an enthusiastic jazz musician or new to the genre, there's a place for you in the jazz program.

We provide professional development opportunities and a supportive environment for musical growth. We offer space where your musical journey can flourish.Discover and express your jazz passion. We share a passion for jazz music. We provide professional development opportunities and a supportive environment for musical growth and to spark an interest or expand your love of jazz. We offer space where your musical journey can flourish.

Trombonist/composer/conductor, JC Sanford, is deeply rooted in the traditions of jazz and classical music, yet constantly pushing at their boundaries. He has appeared on more than 40 recordings as a trombonist, conductor, composer, and producer. A long-time student of the legendary Bob Brookmeyer, Sanford has performed as a trombonist alongside the likes of Danilo Pérez, Matt Wilson, Anthony Cox, and Donny McCaslin. A sought-after conductor of new large ensemble music across the world, he conducts the thrice-Grammy-nominated John Hollenbeck Large Ensemble, the Frank Carlberg Large Ensemble, the Alan Ferber Nonet +Strings, John Ellis’ jazz opera Ice Siren, and the Alice Coltrane Orchestra featuring Ravi Coltrane and Jack DeJohnette. He also recently conducted projects with the North German Radio (NDR) Big Band in Hamburg, Germany and Quinsin Nachoff's chamber ensemble in NYC and Toronto.

His compositions and arrangements have been performed by jazz artists such as Dave Liebman, John Abercrombie, Lew Soloff, and Ingrid Jensen, plus non-jazz artists like Japanese koto player Yumi Kurosawa, British singer-songwriter Joy Askew, and Grammy-nominated classical pianist Andrew Russo. His own 2014 JC Sanford Orchestra album Views from the Inside won international acclaim and was awarded the prestigious Aaron Copland Fund for Recording grant. 

Sanford is regularly recognized as a "Rising Star” trombonist DownBeat Magazine’s Annual Critic’s Polls as well as previous acknowledgements in the Big Band and Arranger categories. He has received many grants and awards including a 2018 McKnight Composer Fellowship, grants from the MN State Arts Board to fund recording projects, and a Southeast MN Arts Council grants to help fund the Northfield Jazz Festival. 

Additionally, he directs the Twin Cities Jazz Composers Workshop and curates the International Society of Jazz Arrangers and Composers (ISJAC) monthly artist blog. JC has had previous teaching positions at the School of Jazz at The New School, Long Island University - Brooklyn, St. Olaf College, LeMoyne College, Luther College, Williams College, and New England Conservatory.