Jeonbuk National University (JBNU) Dean Joo Sang-hyun of the College of Social Science donated a development fund of 10 million won to support the University's development and the academic pursuits of junior students.

JBNU held a donation ceremony for the development fund on February 20 at 3:00 PM in the President's Office at University Headquarters, attended by President Yang O-bong and Dean Joo Sang-hyun.

The donation was made by Dean Joo, who entered the Department of Public Administration at JBNU in 1985 and earned his bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees at the University, in order to repay the support he has received from the University since his appointment as a professor in 2010.

Dean Joo, who currently serves as Dean of the College of Social Science, has paid particular attention to improving students' educational environment and supporting their studies. He said, "Since enrolling in 1985, JBNU has been the foundation of my life and the ground for my growth. I am pleased to be able to give back even a small portion of the love I received from my alma mater to junior students, and I hope the donation will be used so that students of the College of Social Science can concentrate on their studies in better conditions."

President Yang O-bong presented a plaque of appreciation and said, "I am deeply grateful to Dean Joo Sang-hyun for carrying out this meaningful act of sharing for the sake of younger students despite his busy administrative duties and research. We will use the donation with care for student support and the University's development in accordance with the donor's wishes."

Meanwhile, Dean Joo is an authority in financial administration and local finance. He currently serves as Principal Investigator for the "2024 Social Science Research Support (SSK) Global Agenda Research Project" organized by the National Research Foundation of Korea, conducting research on overcoming the low birthrate crisis and the role of local communities.

He also served as Director of the Office of Admission at JBNU and has contributed to the development of the University and local communities through his participation on major committees of central ministries and local governments, including the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, the Korea Forest Service, and the National Unification Advisory Council.