Kim Named KU Employee of the Month for August 2024

KUTZTOWN, Pa. – Congratulations to Dr. Soojin Kim, department chair, Sport Management, on being named Kutztown University Employee of the Month for August 2024.

Kim’s nomination from Dr. Yongjae Kim, professor, Sport Management, reads:

“As the dedicated chair of the Department of Sport Management, Dr. Kim embodies professionalism and enthusiasm in all her responsibilities and interactions with staff, students, and the wider Kutztown University community.

Dr. Kim's contributions have been vital in achieving the university's goals, particularly in the areas of academic excellence, student success, and community engagement. She has demonstrated an innovative approach to student learning by fostering an environment that encourages creativity, scholarship, and experiential learning. Under her leadership, the department has flourished; she has organized national high school case competitions, internship fair for sport management and business students, enhancing the university's brand image and reputation.

Despite the absence of a department secretary, Dr. Kim has been remarkably effective in creating a positive working environment. She manages the department's administrative functions seamlessly, publishes department newsletters, and maintains open communication across the university. Her work significantly aligns with the university's strategic goals:

Goal 1: Academic Excellence

Innovative Teaching and Learning: Dr. Kim has developed and implemented innovative teaching methods that actively engage students in their learning. She incorporates experiential learning opportunities, such as real-world case studies, live projects, and industry collaborations, ensuring that students gain practical skills alongside theoretical knowledge.

Ongoing Professional Development: Dr. Kim actively participates in professional development opportunities, such as conferences and workshops, to stay updated on the latest trends in sport management and pedagogy. She shares her knowledge with colleagues through departmental seminars, promoting a culture of continuous improvement.

Encouragement of Faculty Research and Creative Activity: As a prolific researcher, Dr. Kim has published numerous articles in leading academic journals and presented her research at national and international conferences. Her work contributes to the fields of sport management and consumer behavior, enhancing the university’s academic reputation.

Rigorous Assessment and Improvement: Dr. Kim leads regular assessments of course content and teaching methods within the department. She has spearheaded initiatives to update curricula and introduce new courses that align with industry needs, ensuring that students are well-prepared for future careers.

Goal 2: Student Success

Support for Student Well-Being: Dr. Kim fosters a supportive environment by being accessible and approachable to students, offering guidance and mentorship both inside and outside the classroom. She regularly meets with students to discuss their academic and career goals, providing personalized advice to help them succeed. She was nominated by students as Best Mentor in 2023.

Retention and Career Readiness Initiatives: To improve student retention and career readiness, Dr. Kim organizes workshops on resume writing, interview skills, and networking. She has also established partnerships with local sports organizations to create internship and job opportunities, bridging the gap between academic learning and professional practice.

Enhancing Individual Growth: Dr. Kim promotes student growth by encouraging participation in national and regional competitions. Her efforts led to the KU Sport Management sales team placing 10th in the corporate sales division and 11th in the ticket sales division at the 2024 National Sales Competition in Atlanta. These events provide students with experiential learning opportunities that build confidence, teamwork, and leadership skills.

Goal 3: Community and Civic Engagement

Event Organization for Lifelong Learning: By organizing the National High School Case Competition, Dr. Kim promotes Kutztown University as a leader in sport management education. The event engages high school students nationwide, raising awareness of the university's academic programs and fostering a pipeline of future students.

Building Partnerships: Dr. Kim has actively worked to build partnerships with local, regional, and national sports organizations, enhancing the university’s visibility and reputation. Through these partnerships, she has facilitated community engagement opportunities for students, such as volunteering at local sports events and participating in community outreach programs. For example, the Philadelphia Flyers sponsored the National High School Sport Case Competition organized by KU's Sport Management Department.

Alumni and Community Engagement: Dr. Kim maintains strong connections with alumni and involves them in departmental activities, providing networking opportunities for current students and creating a strong sense of community. Her strong connections with alumni enable SM graduates and faculty to train and develop students' career and management skills, contributing to their success at the national sales competition.

Goal 4: Caring Campus Community

Promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI): Dr. Kim is a strong advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion within the department. She has implemented initiatives to increase diversity among faculty and students and has organized workshops on inclusive teaching practices, fostering a respectful and inclusive learning environment.

Encouraging Shared Governance: As department chair, Dr. Kim promotes shared governance by involving faculty and staff in decision-making processes. She encourages open dialogue and values diverse perspectives, ensuring that all voices are heard and respected. She has served as a member of the President's Advisory Committee since 2022.

Goal 5: Sustainability of Resources and Stewardship of Place

Resource Management and Fiscal Responsibility: Despite operating without a department secretary, Dr. Kim has efficiently managed departmental resources, ensuring that all administrative tasks are completed on time and within budget. She has also secured external funding through grants and partnerships, contributing to the department's financial sustainability.

Enhancing the University's Brand and Image: Through her leadership in organizing events, such as the National High School Sport Case Competition, and her active involvement in professional communities, Dr. Kim has helped to enhance Kutztown University's brand image and reputation in the sport management field, which is crucial for attracting new students and fostering community support.

By aligning her actions with the university’s strategic goals, Dr. Kim has made a substantial impact on the academic excellence, student success, community engagement, and overall sustainability of Kutztown University.”

Nominations are collected from students, faculty and staff, and the Employee of the Month is selected by the Human Resources Advisory Council. A winner will be selected each month, and out of the 12 monthly winners one will be selected as Employee of the Year. The Employee of the Month will receive a plaque, reserved parking and a $100 monetary gift sponsored by President Hawkinson.

For more information on the award or to nominate someone, please visit the KU human resources website.