Dr. Rachel Kim
Education
Biography
Younglong “Rachel” Kim earned her Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from Oklahoma State University, where she served educational leaders, preservice and in-service educators, and diverse student populations, including community members, through research, teaching, service, and leadership for eight years.
She is committed to helping doctoral students bridge scholarship and professional practice through rigorous and meaningful scholarly engagement. Her approach emphasizes reflective inquiry, evidence-based practice, and professional development grounded in purpose and vision.
Her research interests include professional development, psychological needs support, educational technology, and practitioner-scholar development. She seeks to understand how thoughtfully designed professional learning environments foster motivation, growth, and meaningful integration of research and practice at both individual and organizational levels.
Guided by Colossians 3:23 from the Epistle to the Colossians — “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord” — she views her work in higher education as both a calling and a joyful responsibility.
She is an active member of the American Educational Research Association (AERA), the University Council for Educational Administration (UCEA), and the Korean-American Educational Researchers Association (KAERA).