Kim Jin-sang, a professor in Kyung Hee University (KHU)’s College of Electronics & Information, was elected as the 17th president of KHU on January 8, marking the first time a president with a background in natural sciences and engineering took office. His term spans from February 14, 2024, to February 13, 2028.

On April 8, four media outlets of the Media Center: Daehakjubo, The University Life, and Voice Of University of both campuses, conducted a joint interview with President Kim.

Vision for KHU in the Conversion Era

The interview started with a question about the president's views on the role of the university and the direction KHU should pursue. He envisions the university as a platform where research and education intersect, breaking away from the traditional academic isolation to engage with society and the world. He underscored the current era as a time of transformation, emphasizing the need for proactive responses to evolving paradigms, suggesting that universities should lead in addressing contemporary challenges. 

His initial tasks include analyzing policy data from various universities to formulate a four-year plan for KHU's operations, focusing on planning, designing, and implementing it. He aims to align KHU’s mission of “education and peace” with the demands of the conversion era. This phase aimed to encapsulate the current status, weaknesses, strategies, and the essence of the mission.

Blending Humanities and Sciences

“I did not know I was the first president who majored in science and engineering before I was elected. I suppose it is a reflection of the high expectations of KHU students,” he mentioned about his modifier, the first president who majored in science and engineering. He stated that planning and practice will be emphasized over the next four years, and the process of verifying and providing feedback on completed tasks should be implemented.

KHU is known as the university that emphasizes the humane studies. Asked about the necessity of changing the paradigm in which the knowledge of humanities has been emphasized, he highligted the necessity of combining both fields to solve problems in contemporary complex societies.

Fiscal Diversification

Asked about the fiscal diversification, he emphasized reducing tuition dependency, suggesting diversification into other businesses and introducing mid-career reeducation for fiscal diversification through aducation. He explained globalizing research networks is also crucial, along with implementing paperless administration for financial expansion without investment.

Digital Conversion

President Kim views digital conversion as a significant challenge, with plans to integrate digital technology into research and education. KHU’s Smart Campus construction project is ongoing, with steps to develop a unified application for building access and optimize the information system to utilize big data for decision-making. He explained it will be completed by the summer and implemented in the second semester. 

As President Kim embarks on his four-year term, his leadership promises to steer KHU towards greater prominence as a dynamic and forward-thinking institution at the forefront of societal tranformation. With a focus on collaboration, innovation, and adaptability, President Kim’s vision for KHU in the conversion age embodies a commitment to excellence in an ever-evolving world.