Kim Byoung-chul, the president of Korea University, received an honorary degree in business administration Thursday from the school’s rival, Yonsei University.

The degree was presented to the 65-year-old scholar in recognition of his contribution to the progress of academia in the country, Korea University said in its press release.

“Ever since taking helm of the university in 2011, Kim has been a pioneer in globalization of the university and innovated its management under the slogan of fostering wise global leaders,” the school continued.

Kim received a doctorate in agricultural science in 1984, and joined the Korea University faculty the following year.

Since then he took high-ranking posts in several major agricultural societies, including Korean Society for Food Science of Animal Resources and Korean Society of Animal Sciences and Technology.

He is currently a member of the advisory committee of both the Korea Institute of Science and Technology and the government-led Global HR Forum.

By Yoon Min-sik (minsikyoon@heraldcorp.com)