Nam Kim retired effective June 30,and is now Professor Emeritus. Dr. Kim graduated from National University in Korea in 1964, and pursued a career in engineering for 15 years before receiv-ing his PhD from Montana State University. Since coming to MTU in1982, Nam has excelled in research and teaching.

His accomplishments have included bringing in more than $600,000 in research grants, co-authorship of 11 refereed publications, sole authorship of two textbooks, and the receipt of three U.S. patents, including one for a superfastener, awarded in 1986.

His research interests were centered around process control and energy conservation and optimization. A finalist for MTU’s Distinguished Teaching Award, and an inductee into both Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers and The Best Teachers in America, Nam says that his teaching philosophy was based on creating a positive environment for his students.“I’ve been excited and enthusiastic about teaching,” he said. “I looked at myself as more of a ‘big brother’ figure rather than as a course instructor. I encouraged students to ask questions without fear.” University service was also one of his hallmarks, including his work in promoting diversity as a member of MTU’s holiday committee. The committee recommended that the university celebrate the holidays of more of the world’s religions than just Christianity.“ There are a number of other religions that embrace all kinds of cultures, ”Nam said. ”We wanted to give other religions their opportunity to display themselves.” A 7th degree black belt holder in Tae kwon-Do, Nam enjoys drawing, water color, and skiing. Nam will also continue to keep his hand in teaching, leaving in August to spend a sabbatical year teaching chemical engineering at Chonnam National University in Korea. Along with his teaching, Nam says that in his retirement “I’ll be actively involved in serving society, especially helping people who cannot help themselves.”