Welcome, New Faculty

by Shayla Merritt

  

What do a public relations expert, a media historian and a former international correspondent have in common? They are the new faculty hires at the School of Journalism and Mass Communications. This fall, Dr. Sei-Hill Kim, Dr. Kathy Roberts Forde and Dr. Miron Varouhakis joined the J-school’s staff, furthering the school’s mission of research and scholarship.

Dr. Kim, an associate professor, enjoys sports and television when he isn’t teaching. “I like to golf, watch Animal Planet and play with my children. My interests extend far beyond what I teach my students in class,” said Dr. Kim. 

His ability to balance his outside activities with his teaching responsibilities makes him an excellent teacher. He parallels his experience as a public relations practitioner with his work outside of academia, which is why students enjoy his teaching style.

In the past, Dr. Kim has taught courses in public relations and politics at Auburn University. His areas of expertise include political communication, public health and public relations. Dr. Kim’s research has appeared in a number of journals, including World Futures and Public Relations Review.

“Support for research and talented students attracted me to the University,” said Dr. Kim. 

“South Carolina was the next best step for me and my family. Compared to Auburn, Columbia is huge. But, I am glad to say that my family has settled in. Everything looks great, and as an added bonus I have found many wonderful restaurants that I love.”

Dr. Forde, assistant professor and media historian, came to USC after spending four years at the University of Minnesota in the Twin Cities. Her interests of media law and literary journalism add to the School’s curriculum, providing students with a deeper understanding of mass communication law.

“I am deeply committed to the idea that quality journalism is crucial in the creation and sustenance of a vibrant democracy. I have a lot to learn about the University and the School’s strong undergraduate program, but I’m enjoying getting to know my colleagues and students,” she said.

Dr. Forde has taught undergraduate courses in journalism history, media law, and information gathering and evaluation. In 2008 she published her book, Literary Journalism on Trial: Masson v. New Yorker and the First Amendment. She is also the winner of the Frank Luther Mott-KTA book award and the AEJMC History Division book award.

Dr. Miron Varouhakis is a visiting assistant professor with seven years of professional media experience. He has worked as a foreign correspondent for The Associated Press covering the Iraq War, the 2004 Olympic Games and the regional World Economic Forum. 

What attracted him to the University of South Carolina?

“South Carolina is a research one institution and I like the direction the J-school is going,” he said. 

Dr. Varouhakis is teaching undergraduate journalism writing and research methods. In the spring he is slated to teach a new military correspondence course that will focus on the tactics reporters should use when working with military personal.

“The course will teach students about the military’s structure. They will learn how to cover and analyze aspects of the military that they find interesting. And, they will learn it all in one semester. It’s sure to be eventful,” he said. 

Dr. Varouhakis is excited to join the J-school’s faculty. “The campus is lively and the students are extremely spirited. It’s an adjustment, but one that I am enjoying.” He said..