An Insight into a Global Educator’s Vision: Conversations with an IGC Enthusiast

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In a recent issue of the Incheon Global Campus Journal, my story was featured, providing a deep dive into the journey and aspirations of a professional who has been actively shaping the landscape of international higher education. From my early days at one of South Korea's most innovative research universities to my mid-career leadership roles at the State University of New York Korea, I open up about my accomplishments and future hopes. Whether you are a regular reader of the IGC Journal or someone new to the world of global education, the following interview offers a comprehensive insight into my dedication and strategic approach as an expert in this field.


Q. Please introduce yourself to the IGC Journal readers.

I am pursuing a career as an expert in international higher education. After graduating from Korea University, I gained substantial experience in the International Affairs of Sungkyunkwan University starting from 2010. Since 2017, I have been employed at the State University of New York Korea, where I assumed leadership in Strategic Planning for three years and Admissions for approximately two years. I earned my MBA from Sungkyunkwan University in 2015 and am currently enrolled in the Ph.D. program in Educational Administration and Higher Education at Korea University’s Department of Education.


Q. What was your winning submission at the 2023 IGC PR Idea Contest?

My work titled “IGC Promotion Strategy for Real Impact” is grounded in the belief that a thorough understanding of the “Global Education Hub” concept promoted by IGC, as well as the prevailing international trends, is essential. Consequently, through preliminary research and literature review, I first defined the core values, significance, and intrinsic identity of the IGC. Additionally, I have articulated the four areas of impact generation strategies I set forth and the corresponding 12 sub-tasks. Detailed explanations and execution processes for each item have been structured and presented.


Q. What did you focus on the most while preparing for this contest?

Since its inception in 2012, the question that drove the IGC was, “To what extent has it made an impact on the international stage over a decade?” Especially from my perspective, having maintained a close collaborative relationship with various departments of the IGC Operating Foundation, I believed that there was a lack of a global promotional strategy due to inherent limitations as an institution funded by the city of Incheon. As a result, rather than just focusing on sporadic events or identifying promotional materials, I identified essential agendas that must be addressed, centering around four major themes: “Global,” “Academic,” “Policy,” and “Branding,” from a macroscopic, systemic, and organizational standpoint.


Q. Do you have any messages for IGC Journal readers?

I kindly urge readers of this journal to recognize the social, economic, and cultural value that IGC brings. The influence exerted by the diverse foreign university systems and members at IGC, founded on DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging) principles, stands as a significant asset for South Korea and the global community alike. As domestic and international universities collaborate, learn from each other, and foster positive interactions, they play a crucial role in nurturing individuals with a sense of global citizenship, benefiting not just South Korea and East Asia but the wider world. I sincerely hope you will support our mission to champion sustainable development from a global vantage point.


*For the original online posting, visit http://en.journal.igc.or.kr/41.


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