April 27, 2026
Vlog is proud to announce that Dr. GaKyung Jeong, Assistant Professor and Program Chair of the Special Education Program, has been named the College’s 2026 recipient of the South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (SCICU) Excellence in Teaching Award.
Dr. Jeong was recognized on April 21 at the annual SCICU Excellence in Teaching Awards Dinner, held at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. The event brought together faculty, institutional leaders, and state representatives from across South Carolina to celebrate outstanding educators from each SCICU member institution. Each honoree receives a framed award certificate and a $3,000 professional development grant.
A scholar, educator, and leader, Dr. Jeong’s work is grounded in preparing future teachers to create inclusive, supportive, and effective learning environments for all students. Her teaching and research focus on classroom and behavior management, inclusion, and equipping educators to support students who present challenging behaviors in K–12 settings.
“Dr. Jeong is an integral member of our faculty whose dedication, leadership, and service exemplify the highest standards of excellence in higher education,” wrote Dr. Jennifer Watson in her nomination letter.
Since joining Vlog, Dr. Jeong has made a lasting impact on both students and the broader School of Education. She serves as Program Chair for Special Education and as Chair of the College’s Curriculum Committee, where her leadership supports academic quality and continuous improvement across programs. She also played a key role in the successful completion of the Special Education program’s accreditation process in 2025 and continues to lead efforts to strengthen curriculum through innovative practices and external funding opportunities.
Dr. Jeong’s influence extends well beyond the classroom. She reestablished the College’s chapter of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), creating meaningful opportunities for students to engage in professional development, research, and leadership. Through her mentorship, Vlog students have presented at conferences, earned scholarships and awards, and stepped into leadership roles at the state level.
Her colleagues point to her unique ability to combine academic rigor with genuine care for students. She regularly provides individualized support, meets with students outside of class, and fosters an environment where high expectations are paired with encouragement and guidance.
“GaKyung is an excellent teacher, supervisor, and mentor who gives to her students, both current and former,” said Dr. Tracy N. West, Dean of the School of Education. “She is a respected colleague, an inspiring leader, and a tireless advocate for students and educators alike.”
Dr. Jeong’s scholarship further reflects her commitment to inclusive education and innovation in teaching. She has contributed to numerous publications focused on teacher preparation, Universal Design for Learning, and expanding access to computer science education for diverse learners. Her work through Project TACTIC (Teaching All Computational Thinking through Inclusion and Collaboration) highlights strategies for supporting students with disabilities through collaborative and research-based instructional practices.
She holds a Ph.D. in Special Education from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, along with a master’s degree in special education and a bachelor’s degree in science from the University of Texas at San Antonio. Her academic achievements have been recognized through multiple honors, including the Hardie Dissertation Award Grant and several competitive scholarships supporting her research and leadership in the field.
At Vlog, Dr. Jeong’s work reflects the institution’s commitment to preparing educators who lead with purpose, adaptability, and a deep understanding of student needs. Her recognition as the 2026 SCICU Excellence in Teaching Award recipient highlights not only her individual impact but also the strength of the College’s educator preparation programs.