Distinguished Leadership Award for Internationals

Dr. Jin Taek Chung is the 20th president of Korea University and a professor of mechanical engineering. As president, Dr. Chung has increased Korea University's global engagement, while conserving its identity as a source of hope and pride for the nation. In reacting to changes in Korean society and in anticipation of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, Dr. Chung has developed a new strategy for Korea University entitled, "humanKU: Creating New Values," highlighting the importance of a people-centered approach to pedagogy. To achieve this goal Dr. Chung has cultivated innovative education and research, improved institutional governance, and implemented a sustainable growth model for the University.

Dr. Chung has conducted research as a visiting professor at the University of Minnesota, the University of Maryland, and George Washington University. He has authored numerous articles, reviews, and books on energy systems and turbomachinery.

Dr. Chung has received several academic honors including the Valedictorian Prize from Korea University, the Best Paper Prize from the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers, the Merit based Prize for the Enhancement of Industry-University-Institute Collaboration from the Ministry of Knowledge Economy, and the Prize for Esteemed Scholarship from the Korean Society for Fluid Machinery. He has also received numerous awards for excellence in teaching.

He currently serves on the board of the Korean Council for University Education, is the senior vice president of the Korean Association of Private University Presidents, and is a steering committee member of the APRU network, among other numerous domestic and international affiliations.

Before becoming president, Dr. Chung served as vice president for development and external affairs, dean of the College of Engineering, dean of the Graduate School of Engineering and Technology, dean of the Korea TechnoComplex, and dean of the Graduate School of Management of Technology.

In naming Dr. Chung as a recipient of the Distinguished Leadership Award for Internationals, the selection committee acknowledges his dedication to innovating and improving Korea University and his outstanding academic achievements.