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 on technology integration in K–12 curricula. 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 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, 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 Communications 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 to include 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 (primarily at Cape Fear Community College) while I was employed as a teacher:
Service-Learning Coordinator, Cape Fear Community College
NC Service-Learning Coalition (NCSLC)
Phi Theta Kappa Faculty Advisor, Cape Fear Community College
Regional Coordinator for Phi Theta Kappa, Carolinas Region
Managing Editor, PBS Teacher Connex
Enrollment Management Steering Committee Member, CFCC
Faculty presenter for workshops and training sessions

Community Engagement

Communications Chair, League of Women Voters of Lower Cape Fear
Precinct volunteer, Brunswick County
Founding Board Member and volunteer, CFCC Food Pantry
Host Family for International Exchange students
Lead volunteer, Mother Hubbard's Cupboard
Phone bank operator, WHQR Public Radio

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)