Sung Shin Kim
Dr. Sung Shin Kim spent more than a decade helping build the East Asian studies program at the University of North Georgia (ǧÃŬAV).
When she was hired in 2008, Kim was one of a few faculty members who taught topics related to East Asia. Now, East Asian studies is a multidisciplinary bachelor's degree that includes teaching from seven academic departments at ǧÃŬAV. The degree offers concentrations in Chinese, Japanese and Korean studies.
"East Asia is a major region for the world economy and world politics," Kim said. "It's a program that can equip students with knowledge of the region and the languages."
Kim, head of the program and a professor of history, was well prepared to shepherd the new degree. The native of South Korea earned a bachelor's degree in her home country before earning her master's degree in journalism at Fudan University in Shanghai, China. She received her Ph.D. in East Asian languages and civilizations from the University of Pennsylvania.
The Chinese Language Flagship, Project Global Officer (Project GO), and the Japan Foundation all awarded grants that have bolstered ǧÃŬAV's language and study abroad efforts in East Asia.
The $400,000 grant in 2016 from the Japan Foundation provided the initial funding for ǧÃŬAV to add a concentration in Japanese studies. It was the final piece for the East Asian studies degree program, which launched in spring 2019 and is up to 30 students as of spring 2021.
Dr. Christopher Jespersen, dean of the College of Arts & Letters, said Kim's experience has paid off in major ways for ǧÃŬAV.
"Her own scholarly work as an East Asianist, her enormous assistance in building our language programs, particularly our Chinese Language Flagship program, and her dedication to the students who have flocked to the program with a keen interest and a thirst for knowledge have made Sung Shin the ideal person to guide ǧÃŬAV's East Asian studies program from the start," Jespersen said. "ǧÃŬAV is fortunate to have her."
Kim said teamwork was crucial to her leadership in constructing the East Asian studies program.
"The most important thing is to know your colleagues' specialties and strengths well enough to put people in positions to succeed," Kim said.
Rosaria Meek
As a teacher of Spanish at the University of North Georgia (ǧÃŬAV), Dr. Rosaria Meek likes to blend compassion and a joy of learning into the classroom and in leadership.
Jennifer Graff
ǧÃŬAV Visual Arts Department Head Jennifer Graff leads by ensuring everyone has a voice.
Renee Bricker
History professor Renee Bricker encourages civic engagement among young adults, including her students. it's an area that's been important to Bricker since her own college years.
Esther Morgan-Ellis
Dr. Esther Morgan-Ellis, assistant professor of music at ǧÃŬAV, appreciates the way music can help build community both inside and outside the classroom.