History Makers. We Change the World!
In a recent seminar, Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Success Tardis Johnson led an engaging and insightful discussion about the diverse academic and career opportunities available to students at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT). The talk emphasized one central message: FIT is much more than just Fashion Design and Fashion Business Management. SUNY Korea FIT students can continue their studies after earning an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree in either Fashion Business Management (FBM) or Fashion Design (FD) by applying to FIT programs in New York or Italy. While FBM and FD remain foundational majors, students have the opportunity to explore a wide range of degree programs, from jewelry design and menswear to material design and fashion styling, reflecting the dynamic nature of the fashion and creative industries. “Students often enter FIT thinking about only one or two pathways,” he noted, “but there is so much more to explore such as textile design, marketing, journalism, fashion forecasting, and even social media strategy.” Among the many opportunities discussed were: Art History and Museum Professions: ideal for those interested in the business and curation side of art. Entrepreneurship: for students aspiring to launch their own businesses or fashion brands. Home Products Development: a multibillion-dollar industry focused on the creation of essential items used in homes, distinct from interior design. International Trade and Transportation: a key area within Fashion Business Management that focuses on logistics and the global movement of fashion goods. Textile Development and Marketing: crucial for understanding the fabrics and materials that designers rely on in their work. Vice President Johnson emphasized that students have the freedom and support to pursue whichever path aligns with their interests. However, he encouraged everyone to be proactive: “It’s important to do your research and talk to faculty members, many of whom come directly from the industry and can offer unique insights.” He also explained the process for students considering a change or continuation of their studies at the upper division level. After applying for graduation from an associate program, students can explore a wide variety of bachelor’s degree options at FIT. Some programs may require additional coursework or prerequisites, so planning ahead is essential. These requirements are subject to change, so please refer to the official website for the most up-to-date information: https://www.fitnyc.edu/academics/academic-divisions/index.php. Programs requiring additional coursework include: Advertising and Marketing Communications (AMC) Advertising and Digital Design Animation, Interactive Media & Game Design Direct and Interactive Marketing Film and Media Fine Arts Footwear and Accessories Design Illustration Interior Design Packaging Design Photography and Related Media Product Management Spatial Experience Design Technical Design Toy Design Art History and Museum Professions The seminar concluded with a call to action: students are encouraged to explore the full list of undergraduate programs on the FIT website, speak with professors and advisors, and consider new and emerging industries that align with their passions and strengths. Watch the full interview to learn more: CLICK HERE
On July 3, three members of the Liberal Democratic Party from the Sapporo City Council in Japan visited SUNY Korea to discuss ways to promote global education and enhance mutual academic exchange between the two countries. During the visit, the council members received an overview of SUNY Korea’s cutting-edge academic programs in AI, robotics, and global fashion – fields in which the university has taken the leading role as the first American university at the Incheon Global campus. They were also provided with a campus tour, with the council members expressing great interest in how SUNY Korea attracts and nurtures top global talent, not only in STEM but across a range of fields. The council members included Iijima Hiroyuki, Kojima Yumi, and Yamada Ichiro, alongside SUNY Korea Vice President for Administration and External Relations Pyungryun Brian and other university officials. The meeting included in-depth discussions about the founding and establishment of SUNY Korea and the Incheon Global campus, university-industry cooperation, and future prospects for educational collaboration. Kojima Yumi stated, “It was a meaningful opportunity to visit SUNY Korea, see its successful educational model firsthand, and explore opportunities for collaboration. We look forward to building a productive relationship through continued cooperation.”
On June 19, SUNY Korea conducted a special training session in collaboration with the Gangwon Middle School Principals’ Association, that was targeted at preparing the future of education in the era of digital transformation. Held over two days from June 19 to 20 at Songdo International Business District, the session brought together over 100 middle school principals for the in-depth discussions and learning. As part of the training session, Professor Johng-Ihl Lee from the Department of Technology and Society and also the Vice Executive Director for the Research and Business Development Foundation (R&BDF) delivered a lecture titled “10 Useful Tips for Understanding the Advancement of AI.” Through this training session, the principals gained a deeper understanding of the direction of education and technological trends in the era of digital transformation, as well as valuable insights to guide future school operations and educational innovation. Building on this collaboration with the Gangwon region, SUNY Korea aims to broaden its partnerships with education offices and schools not only in Seoul, Gyeonggi, and Incheon, but across the country, to support education innovation and regional cooperation.
For the second year in a row, Department of Technology and Society Professor Neal Dreamson’s strong publication record, the impact of his work, and the notable quality of his scholarly contributions have placed him in the top 0.5% of all scholars worldwide. He has been awarded Top Scholar status based on his accomplishments over the prior five-year period, which is the same as last year, but this year he received another status in the category of ‘over the totality of his career (lifetime)’. Top Scholar - Lifetime #204 Pedagogy Top Scholar - Prior 5 Years #60 Digital electronics #64 Pedagogy ScholarGPS (https://scholargps.com) provides rankings of individuals and institutions Overall (in all Fields), in 14 broad Fields (such as Medicine, Engineering, or Humanities), in 177 Disciplines (such as Surgery, Computer Science, or History), and in over 350,000 Specialties (such as Cancer, Artificial Intelligence, or Ethics).
Lack of Talent Innovation Threatens National Competitiveness — Urgent Shift Needed in University Education Policy A new government has been inaugurated. While promoting unity remains important, the public's foremost concerns lie in restoring livelihoods and ensuring economic stability. Beyond short-term stimulus measures, there is an urgent need to strengthen South Korea’s long-term, sustainable national competitiveness. Achieving this level of competitiveness requires bold structural reforms, particularly in education and governance. Although South Korea excels in corporate agility and public adaptability, its progress is undermined by low government efficiency and excessive regulations. In contrast to top-ranked countries like Singapore and the U.S.—where universities serve as powerful engines of innovation—Korean universities remain tightly controlled, with limited autonomy over tuition, admissions, and institutional growth. To thrive in a rapidly evolving global landscape, the government must recognize universities as vital partners in innovation and talent development. Click here to read the full article.
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