Graduate Faculty Focus | Carol Jim

"I hope all my students leave my classes with strong technical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills. My goal is for them to not only master the technical aspects of the subject but also to develop the ability to approach complex problems methodically and think critically about potential solutions."

Carol Jim, Ph.D.

Program

Management Information Systems (M.S.)

Department

Computer Science & Information Technology

Alumni
Faculty
Graduate School
Graduate Student

Alumni
Computer Science & Information Technology Graduate Programs
Faculty
Graduate School
Graduate Student

01/03/2025

Dr. Carol Jim received her bachelor's and master's degrees from Hood College and then went on to eventually get a doctorate in computer science from George Washington University. She returned to Hood College to pursue a career in teaching and is currently the program director for the Master's in Management Information Systems program. We interviewed Dr. Jim about her teaching philosophy and what hopes she has for students that participate in her classes.

Could you share a brief overview of your educational journey and career path, which led to your current role at Hood College?

I am a proud Hood College alum, having earned both my bachelor's degree in mathematics and my master's degree in computer science here. During my time at Hood, I developed a passion for teaching, which set the foundation for my career. I went on to earn my Ph.D. in computer science at the George Washington University and returned to Hood to begin my teaching career.

Do you follow a specific teaching mindset, theory, or style as a faculty member that shapes your interaction with students?

I believe that students learn best by doing. Therefore, I incorporate hands-on activities, labs, and projects in my classes since these types of experiences tend to be more memorable. In addition, I use active learning techniques to foster student engagement, promoting collaboration and critical thinking to create a dynamic and interactive classroom environment.

What are the core lessons or skills you hope your students take away from your classes?

I hope all my students leave my classes with strong technical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills. My goal is for them to not only master the technical aspects of the subject but also to develop the ability to approach complex problems methodically and think critically about potential solutions. Additionally, I aim to help students develop effective collaboration and communication skills. All these skills are essential not only for academic success but also for real-world applications and future career growth.

What inspired you to choose Hood College as the place to teach and grow professionally?

I wanted to come back home to my alma mater and give back to the institution that shaped my own academic journey, which had such a positive impact on my life. It's both a joy and a privilege to work alongside the professors who taught and mentored me when I was a student here and now call them colleagues. This sense of connection and community
makes Hood the perfect place for me to grow professionally while contributing to the success of future generations of students.

Are there any other achievements, interesting facts, or messages you'd like to share with the Hood College community?

I'm proud to be part of a vibrant academic community at Hood College, and I'm passionate about helping students succeed academically as well as grow personally and professionally. It's an exciting time to be at Hood, and I look forward to continuing to contribute to the College's mission and its future success!

Interested in learning more about our MIS Program? Want to #GOFURTHER in your career? Learn more about our other programs, like Management Information Systems, by clicking here.