Dr. MinJi “MJ” Kim is an Assistant Professor of Strategic Communication and Public Relations at Flagler College, where she joined the faculty in Fall 2022. She brings a fresh perspective to strategic communication through her passion for diversity, equity, and inclusion, her curiosity about Gen Z, and her commitment to lifelong learning.
Dr. Kim earned her Ph.D. in Mass Communication from the University of Florida and her master’s degree in Media Arts and Sciences from Indiana University Bloomington.
Q: What or who inspired you to pursue your field of study?
A: My dad, who has worked in advertising and business consulting for nearly 40 years, inspired me early on to explore the creative world of marketing. From him, I learned the art of strategic and persuasive communication; how to meet clients’ needs while framing messages in ways that captivate and resonate with audiences. At the same time, I have always been deeply curious about people’s minds and behaviors. That natural interest led me to study how media messages influence attitudes, emotions, and future actions. That curiosity continues to shape the core of both my teaching and research in media effects.
Q: What courses do you teach, and which is your favorite (and why)?
A: I’ve taught courses including Media Literacy, Health Communication, and Social Media Management, but my new favorite would have to be Event Planning and Management (COM440), which helped support the planning and execution of COM Week 2026. Through this course, students gained hands-on experience as members of the event staff team, taking active roles in inviting guests and local sponsors, moderating sessions, supporting venue setup, and organizing raffle drawings to boost student engagement throughout the event. The course also emphasized collaboration across campus, including partnerships with various departments, the Career Development Center, the Special Events team, and others.
Q: How do you bring real-world experience into your teaching/classes?
A: I bring real-world experience into my classes by sharing global marketing case studies and inviting guest speakers who introduce students to emerging trends, social issues, and current industry challenges. For this year’s COM Week, for example, I invited an XR expert from Oregon through my University of Florida network and a marketing consultant from Sacramento, California through my Korean American business network.
These opportunities allow students to learn beyond the classroom by meeting professionals in the field, asking questions, and hearing firsthand about real-world experiences. That interaction helps bridge the gap between textbook concepts and professional practice. I’ve found that students remember lessons more deeply when they can connect them to real people and real stories. They also build meaningful relationships that can support their career development. I truly believe in the power of social connection and interpersonal relationships in learning.
Q: How has your field evolved, and how do you prepare students for those changes?
A: Media and marketing are constantly evolving, with new trends, case studies, and audience responses emerging every day. To prepare students for those changes, it’s important to stay informed—not only about what is happening in the U.S., but also about global developments and how brands around the world are adapting and innovating.
In my classes, I incorporate current news and fresh real-world examples into lectures so that students are learning from what is happening now, rather than relying only on older materials. That keeps the classroom dynamic and relevant. It also means I revisit and update much of my lecture content each semester, which is a lot of work, but I see that as part of my responsibility and motivation as an educator. It pushes me to stay current as well, so I can better prepare students for a field that never stands still.
Q: What research or projects are you currently working on?
A: This spring, I had the opportunity to bring several students to major communication conferences to present research they developed in my PR Research class (COM303). It was incredibly rewarding to mentor them through the process of developing their projects, submitting manuscripts to Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC) regional conferences, and ultimately presenting their work in front of graduate students and faculty from other universities. Research topics were on mukbang and college student audiences, color branding for female consumers, and the role of local news in civic engagement. Each project used a different research method, which made the experience even more meaningful and exciting.
My own ongoing research project focuses on self-driving cars and how drivers’ reactions are shaped by their trust in the technology. The study is still in development, but I plan to explore it as a cross-cultural project with college students in South Korea and the United States, using a driving simulator and related equipment. I’m looking forward to sharing more of that work soon.
Q: How have your experiences as a researcher or professional shaped the way you teach, and how do you intentionally bring that expertise into the classroom today?
Tap the photo below to hear Dr. Kim's response!
Q: What skills do you hope every student walks away from your class(es) with?
A: My ultimate goal is to help students sharpen their analytical and critical thinking skills while guiding them to clearly organize and express their own ideas in their own voice. I provide theoretical frameworks and methods as benchmarks, and I use real-life examples and recent media news to keep them updated and inspire deeper thinking. This approach helps students naturally structure their thoughts and confidently advocate for their perspectives.
Q: If you could take one Flagler class outside your department, what would it be?
A: I would like to take a take a Psychology of Personality course in the psychology department! I love diving into personality tests like MBTI; it’s a fun way to understand how people differ and help me be a more inclusive, empathetic educator.
Q: What’s your favorite spot on campus—and why?
A: My favorite spot on campus is the Solarium on top of Ponce Hall. I love bringing guests there to take in the full view; the skyline, the main fountain, and City Hall. It’s a place that always makes me pause and feel grateful to be part of such a beautiful campus.
Q: Coffee or tea? (And where’s your go-to spot in St. Augustine?)
A: I’m all about Relampago’s iced matcha latte for a caffeine fix. For tea, my top pick is the Blueberry Black Tea from The Spice and Tea Exchange on Hypolita Street—absolutely delicious!
Q: What book, movie, or podcast are you currently enjoying?
A: I’m currently enjoying Don’t Believe Everything You Think, a book my mentees in the “Great Work” (honors college program) read with me in class. My students really loved the reading, and I did too. It’s philosophical but very accessible, and it encourages readers to reflect on themselves and recognize what truly matters. I highly recommend it!
Q: What’s something your students would be surprised to learn about you?
A: They might be surprised to learn that I’m probably an even better procrastinator than they are.
Q: What is your go-to pump-up song?
A: ‘Jump’ by Blackpink! It’s impossible not to get hyped and literally jump along.
Q: What is your favorite pair of shoes, and how do they reflect you as a faculty member?
A: My favorite pair of shoes is a shiny, sparkly pair of Crocs; my first-ever pair, which I received as a Christmas gift in 2024. They are incredibly comfortable, trendy, and always fun to show off, so I wear them almost every day. My students even tell me I need to switch shoes sometimes because I wear them with almost every outfit. In a way, they reflect me well as a faculty member: approachable, practical, energetic, and just a little playful. I like bringing curiosity, warmth, and a bit of sparkle into the classroom, and I hope my students leave class feeling excited, inspired, and happy to be there.
