Professor Sejung Marina Choi Joins Department of Advertising

The University of Texas Department of Advertising welcomes the addition of Dr. Sejung Marina Choi.

Originally from Korea, Marina Choi obtained her B.A. in Communications and Broadcasting from Ewha Womans University in Seoul, Korea. Upon graduation, she worked in the Korean advertising industry in account management. Deciding that she needed more experience and education, Professor Choi went to Michigan State University where she obtained an M.A. in Advertising and a Ph.D. in Mass Media.

Having always wanted to come to the University of Texas, Dr. Choi was "honored to become a faculty member." According to Dr. Choi, the University of Texas is not only a "top school" but also provides resources to support faculty members in their teaching, research, and career paths. The Department of Advertising "encourages faculty to do research" and "provides a good environment" for Dr. Choi to accomplish her goal of "balancing teaching and research." In addition, Dr. Choi feels she can learn a lot from other faculty members. Dr. Choi also "loves diversity and culture" and is highly impressed by both Austin and the University of Texas.

Dr. Choi's research interests include credibility perceptions of celebrities in advertising and endorsements. She is also interested in cross cultural studies of celebrity endorsement, especially between Korea and the United States. Dr. Choi is motivated to also study gender differences, generational differences, and social phenomena in relation to celebrity endorsements.

Dr. Choi currently teaches advertising research (ADV 344K) and she is trying to get students more interested in research through her course content and facilitation of class discussion. Dr. Choi vehemently believes that both teaching and research are important and strives to raise confidence and evoke pride in her students. She even credits her students with having helped her make the transition to the University of Texas.

Dr. Choi's intelligence, enthusiasm, and accessibility will undoubtedly be a great addition to the University of Texas Department of Advertising.

11/15/2002