Office: WSTC 227E | Phone: (308) 865-8246 | Email: mcelhannonr@unk.edu
RJ McElhannon is an English language educator with nearly 20 years of teaching experience across Asia and in online programs.
RJ has taught at universities in China and South Korea, served as a Senior English Teacher and Business English Trainer for over a decade, and most recently worked as a Virtual English Educator for the U.S. Department of State, designing and delivering courses for programs in Russia and the Philippines. His students have included undergraduates, graduates, and professionals, with coursework spanning academic English, business communication, and cross-cultural skills.
Having formally studied Chinese, Spanish, Korean, and Thai, in addition to his training in foreign languages, RJ understands firsthand the challenges and rewards of being a language student in a university setting. This perspective enriches his teaching, as he brings empathy and insight into the learner’s journey. His background in psychology further equips him to connect with diverse learners, adapting instruction to meet different motivations, learning styles, and academic goals.
RJ’s teaching philosophy emphasizes making language learning fun, engaging, and practical, creating classrooms where students develop confidence as well as skills. A highlight of his career was receiving a Certificate of Appreciation from the U.S. Department of State, awarded in recognition of his contributions to the U.S. Government’s English Language Programs.
