Kathryn J Santhuff

Ms. Kate Johnson Santhuff is a communications professional with over 20 years of experience in higher education and educational non-profit organizations. She has taught college-level courses in leadership, public speaking, interpersonal communication, and introductory communication, as well as graduate-level courses in technology integration for K–12 faculty scholars. Her teaching background also includes high school English and television production. In the non-profit sector, Ms. Santhuff has developed video, web-based, and print instructional modules to help educators integrate media effectively into their teaching. She has held positions with the Public Broadcasting Service, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Northwest Student Exchange, and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, where she served as Senior Director of Student Engagement. At Cape Fear Community College, she served for 11 years as the college liaison for Wilmington Early College High School, acquiring expertise in academic advising, student success planning, and career development. She has mentored students extensively, both formally and informally, fostering intellectual growth and professional readiness. Her professional interests include civil discourse and debate, the application of artificial intelligence to strengthen writing and critical thinking, and storytelling as a multidisciplinary art form. She is also an entrepreneur and creative artist, having co-founded theatrical ventures, directed and performed in stage and video productions, and launched internet-based businesses. Ms. Santhuff approaches her work with intellectual curiosity, optimism, and dynamic energy.

Education

M.A. in Mass Communications, Emerson College
B.S. in Communication Studies, Northwestern University

Specialization in Teaching

At UNCW, my areas of teaching specialization are Performance of Literature, Senior Capstone for Communication Studies Majors, and Public Speaking. I am a mentor to students and look forward to helping students in our program navigate their journeys both here at UNCW and beyond in the "real world" or in pursuit of additional higher education. As a person who has worn many hats and who comes from a varied professional background, I look forward to expanding my teaching repertoire into Storytelling, Performing, and Writing Across Disciplines, in addition to Study Abroad.

Research Interests

I am a lecturer, so my primary focus is on mentoring and teaching. However, when it's possible, I would like to research, collaborate, and publish on several things, particularly the effects of artificial intelligence in mass communications and anything related to digital media literacy.

Professional Service

I have served professionally on many committees and in many roles while I was employed as a teacher:

UNCW:
Faculty Advisor to Communication Studies Society (2026-present)
Search Committee for Lecturer in Digital Media (2026)
Lead Coordinator for CS Next Step Readiness (CHSSA Connect 2026)

CFCC:
Service-Learning Coordinator (2015-2018)
Phi Theta Kappa Faculty Advisor (2018-2023)
Enrollment Management Steering Committee Member, CFCC (2020-2023)
Faculty presenter for workshops and training sessions

State/National:
Regional Coordinator for Phi Theta Kappa, Carolinas Region (2023)
Managing Editor, PBS Teacher Connex (1995-1998)
NC Service-Learning Coalition (NCSLC) (2015-2018)

Community Engagement

Communications Chair, League of Women Voters of Lower Cape Fear
Precinct volunteer, Brunswick County (2024-26)
Founding Board Member and volunteer, CFCC Food Pantry (2018-2023)
Host Family for International Exchange students (2010-2020)
Lead volunteer, Mother Hubbard's Cupboard (2018-2020)
Phone bank operator, WHQR Public Radio (varied)

Honors & Awards

Phi Theta Kappa Distinguished Advisor, National (2023)
PTK Paragon Award for Advisors, Regional (2021, 2022, 2023)
PTK Horizon Award for Advisors, Regional (2019, 2020)
Marilyn Goodman Anderson Endowed Award for Excellence in Teaching Nominee, Cape Fear Community College (five years)