San José State University to Honor Music Icon Stevie Nicks with Statue Outside Music Department
San José, CA — In a heartfelt tribute to one of its most iconic former students, San José State University has announced plans to erect a statue honoring Stevie Nicks, the legendary singer-songwriter best known for her groundbreaking work with Fleetwood Mac and her prolific solo career.
The statue will be placed outside the university’s Department of Music and Dance, serving as a permanent symbol of inspiration to students pursuing the arts. Though Nicks did not complete her degree at SJSU—opting instead to follow her musical dreams—her journey from the university’s campus to global superstardom is being celebrated as a testament to the power of artistic ambition.
“Stevie Nicks represents everything our students hope to become—visionary, courageous, and unapologetically original,” said Dr. Janet Averill, Chair of the Department of Music. “She may not have finished her degree here, but her spirit has never left us.”
The decision to honor Nicks comes on the heels of decades of influence in the music world. From haunting ballads like Landslide to rock anthems like Edge of Seventeen, Nicks has not only won Grammy Awards and been inducted twice into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, but has also inspired generations with her poetic songwriting and unmistakable voice.
The statue, which is being designed by a local sculptor, will depict Nicks in her iconic flowing attire, mid-performance, capturing the energy and mystique that have defined her storied career. The installation will also include a plaque highlighting her brief time at San José State and the global impact of her artistry.
The project has already drawn enthusiastic support from alumni, students, and fans across the Bay Area. A fundraising campaign will begin this summer, with a public unveiling tentatively scheduled for next spring.
“It’s not just about honoring Stevie,” said SJSU President Cynthia Teniente-Matson. “It’s about honoring the dreamers who walk these halls every day, wondering if they can make it. She shows them they can.”
For San José State University, the statue is more than a tribute—it’s a message: greatness can come from anywhere, even from a student who once sat in a speech class dreaming of the stage.
