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    1. UNG
    2. News & Events
    3. Where I Lead
    4. Faculty & Staff

    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 (UNG).

    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 UNG. 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 UNG's language and study abroad efforts in East Asia.

    The $400,000 grant in 2016 from the Japan Foundation provided the initial funding for UNG 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 UNG.

    "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 UNG's East Asian studies program from the start," Jespersen said. "UNG 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

    Rosaria Meek

    As a teacher of Spanish at the University of North Georgia (UNG), Dr. Rosaria Meek likes to blend compassion and a joy of learning into the classroom and in leadership.
    Dan Emmett

    Dan Emmett

    UNG alumnus Dan Emmett, '78, said UNG re-emphasized his parents' teachings of honor, discipline, service to one's country, and trying to do your best at everything you attempt.
    Phil O'Donnell

    Phil O'Donnell

    Before he launched a career with his degree in criminal justice, Phil O'Donnell of Suwanee, Georgia, tested himself against the best cyclists in the world.
    William Pallozzi

    William Pallozzi

    UNG helped prepare William Pallozzi for his career in law enforcement by making him the leader he is today.
    Yanet Velazquez

    Yanet Velazquez

    Alumna Yanet Velazquez of Gainesville, Georgia, wanted to become a leader in the Latino community.
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