KiYong Kim, professor in the Biola University Department of Public Relations and Strategic Communication has been awarded the 2021 Ginger Rudeseal Carter Miller Teacher of the Year Award, from the Small Programs Interest Group (SPIG) of the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC).

There is only one recipient of the award annually, selected from a national application process. The award is a competition that is selected based on the applicant's curriculum vitae, teaching philosophy, teaching evaluations, student recommendation, colleague recommendation, and class materials such as assignments and syllabi. Kim shared what being selected to receive this award means to him as a professor and to the university.

“I think what is so special about teaching at Biola is that we are encouraged to not only teach and educate our students but to also engage in mentorship, whether that is professional, academic, spiritual, or personal,” said Professor Kim. “This recognition by SPIG helps give me the confidence and encouragement to continue loving the students that God and Biola have placed before me."

The presentation of this award occurred during a virtual conference event on July 29, 2021 hosted by the Small Programs Interest group of AEJMC.

Jackie Incollingo, Officer with SPIG and Associate Professor of Communication, Journalism and Media at Rider University, said, “KiYong was selected for the honor from a field of strong nominees because of his interactive teaching style and deep dedication to students.”

One key component of the application process for this award included receiving student recommendations from Professor Kim’s public relations students. A Biola student wrote to the selection committee. 

“Professor Kim delivers the highest quality of teaching I have ever received. I leave every interaction with Professor Kim feeling excited about PR and good about myself. He shows genuine excitement for all of my achievements and never holds back compliments or wisdom,” she said.

Learn more or apply to Biola’s Public Relations and Strategic Communications program.

Written by Lauren McLeod, Academic Excellence Coordinator for Public Relations and Strategic Communication Department. For more information, contact Jenna Loumagne, assistant director of media relations and strategic communications, at jenna.loumagne@biola.edu.