After more than 15 years of success in the corporate world, Hojoong Kim, PhD, sought out “the right place to make a meaningful impact” and found it at CBU. 

Dr. Kim’s career began after graduating cum laude from the highly competitive Seoul National University (South Korea) with a degree in business administration and management in 2000.

He worked as a consultant for four years to broaden his knowledge, and in 2006, moved to the United States, where he completed a master’s program at New York University. He reentered the workforce with a series of increasingly influential positions, including serving as the Director of Finance for one solar panel manufacturer and Chief Financial Officer for another.

In 2019, he returned to school to complete a doctorate in accounting at the University of North Texas where he made the decision to shift into academia. His time in industry showed him that finding the right cultural fit was as important—if not more important—than the work itself.

At the University of North Texas, Kim had taught some classes in lecture halls with more than 100 students. As he considered his next move, he knew that kind of environment wouldn’t fulfill him longterm. He wanted the ability to advise students and make deeper connections.

As he searched for a suitable university position, he learned about an opening at CBU and was struck by the description of the school’s culture. Dr. Kim visited Memphis to learn more. He met with faculty and leadership and was impressed.

“I thought, CBU is an institution where I can truly make an impact as a teacher,” said Dr. Kim. “I had several interviews at the time, but I went back to the University of North Texas and told my advisor that CBU was different and a good fit for me. I could see that this institution focuses on educating the whole person and supports students personally and in their professional growth. I could see that CBU has a genuine commitment to students. That really resonated with me.”

In 2023, Dr. Kim joined the faculty as an Assistant Professor (Accounting) in the School of Business, and the experience has lived up to his early impressions.

“My experience has been meaningful,” he said. “I have really enjoyed helping students understand accounting concepts. I watch their confidence grow and the small class sizes allow me to mentor students personally.”

Dr. Jennifer Weske, Director of the Master of Accountancy Program, has been a great resource and colleague as Dr. Kim embraced his new career.

“In just two years, Dr. Kim has seamlessly acclaimed to our university community and has become a beloved presence among students,” said Dr. Weske. “His tireless work ethic, genuine dedication, and the constant positivity he brings to every interaction make him an invaluable member of our team.”

Dr. Kim uses his life experiences and the wisdom he has gained from working in various settings to advise students as they consider their first big moves after graduation.

“People are the most important factor,” he said. “It is wonderful to work with good people you enjoy being around. Company culture plays a meaningful role in a student’s long-term success. When students choose an organization that feels like the right fit, they are better positioned to build a fulfilling and lasting career.”

“Students can work in a small organization where they will learn a lot and be exposed to many areas, or they can work for a large organization, where they will have more resources and, possibly, more room for growth. A larger organization might be more stable. But it all depends on a student’s personality. When I am mentoring a student, I ask about their preferences to help guide them to an environment where they can be happy and succeed.” 

Working in industry had its benefits, but having a positive impact on CBU students and the broader community has become an important part of Dr. Kim’s professional purpose. He is thankful that he took that leap of faith. 

“At CBU, the experience is incredible,” he said. 

Dr. Kim’s office is in Buckman Hall.