Dr. Erin Kim-Cho Named National Teacher of the Year by Journalism and Mass Communication Organization

June 23, 2026

Dr. Erin Kim-Cho, Assistant Professor of Communication and department chair, has been named the 2026 Ginger Rudeseal Carter Miller Teacher of the Year by the Small Program Interest Group (SPIG) of the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC).

The prestigious award recognizes excellence in teaching, mentorship, and service among journalism, public relations, and communication educators at colleges and universities across the country.

According to SPIG, this year's selection process was highly competitive, with judges noting the exceptional quality of nominations received. Kim-Cho stood out for her innovative, hands-on teaching approach, as well as her commitment to student mentorship, vocation, community engagement, student media advising, and service learning.

"The nominees were excellent this year, and the selection was indeed challenging for the judges," SPIG shared in its announcement to members. "Judges said Dr. Kim-Cho's hands-on teaching activities stood out as well as her strong presentation in mentorship, vocation, community engagement, student media advising and service learning."

The SPIG community will formally recognize and celebrate Kim-Cho during the AEJMC 2026 Conference in New Orleans this August.