Meet the IU faculty member who runs Bloomington’s favorite popcorn shop
Virginia Githiri
SENIOR LECTURER
IU SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH BLOOMINGTON
OWNER
POPKORN KERNELS WITH A TWIST
At a January 24 popup event in Forest Quad, IU faculty member Virginia Githiri cheerfully interacted with students as she served snacks from her local business: PopKorn Kernels With A Twist.
Virginia loves popcorn almost as much as she loves mentoring her students in the Department of Applied Health Science, where she teaches courses ranging from Community Health to Public Health Program Planning.
As an academic, she is an author of textbooks and journal articles and a sought-after speaker and panelist with four advanced degrees, three of which are from IU. Her multiple honors include the Trustees Teaching Award, Instructor of the Year (Delta Sigma Theta, Inc.), and the Outstanding Faculty Teaching Award from the Department of Applied Health Science.
Virginia is also an entrepreneur. When friends raved about her flavored, homemade popcorn at a Super Bowl party in 2007, she decided Monroe County needed a gourmet popcorn shop. “I mean, who doesn’t love popcorn?” she said.
PopKorn is now a go-to partnership with IU Catering as well as schools, departments, and units across the Bloomington campus.
Popular + business is popping
While PopKorn officially opened in 2007, Virginia needed to pause operations along the way, reopening with new energy in 2016. In 2017, as partnerships took off, PopKorn was—well, popping up everywhere: at IU Auditorium and IU Foundation events, in the football suites at Memorial Stadium, and in IU Dining & Hospitality, the umbrella organization over IU Catering.
PopKorn offers dozens of flavors and combinations, including the official, IU-licensed favorite Cream and Crimson Drizzled (kettle corn with white and red-colored chocolate) and popular favorites Cinnamon Bun and Midwest Delight (a cheddar and caramel mix). PopKorn also carries an array of hand-spun cotton candy. The product is sold from its store front at 122 S. College Ave., online, and in several local Bloomington retail shops.
Running a business and teaching full time hasn’t always been easy. Virginia is grateful to her staff and the community for continuing to support her vision.
“My company would not still be open without my PopKorn crew,” she said. “The local love is palpable. And I am sure that the growth PopKorn has experienced would not have been possible without the consistency and support of Indiana University and the Bloomington community.”
Q: What initially led you to Indiana University—and what has inspired you to stay?
A: I originally came to IUB to pursue my undergraduate degree. I stayed and completed an MPH degree. After working for several years, I pursued an MBA at another institution and returned to obtain a Ph.D. in public health. I have been blessed to thrive in my career and business in Bloomington. I planted roots here and have decided to stay.
Q: What's the best part of your job and why?
A: As a faculty member, I enjoy engaging with students through teaching and mentoring. I also enjoy creating unique assignments in the classroom that make the material memorable and tangible for the students.
Recently, in conveying the importance of individuals taking responsibility for their health, I introduced the concept of “Food as Medicine.” The students arranged themselves into small groups. I randomly assigned each group a hypothetical patient profile. Each student group was required to develop a reasonable food prescription for their patient thoughtfully. The food prescriptions were also to be culturally sensitive and considerate of each patient’s environment and personal preferences. Students enjoyed the experience, which supports the idea that this type of in-class activity provides tangible insight for students aspiring to work in public health and/or medicine. The world is ever-evolving. I believe that part of my responsibility as a teacher is to equip students with in-class experiences that can translate to their future careers.
As an entrepreneur, I enjoy embracing creativity and encouraging my staff to follow their dreams. Despite any challenges I may have faced, they have a front seat to my experience, from idea to fruition. One of the IU schools called us the most consistent caterer, and that is a badge that I will proudly wear. Consistently producing a quality product is important to sustainability, and I am grateful that we are still around!
Q: Favorite IU event?
A: Graduation is my favorite IU event. A few years ago, I served as a Faculty Marshal at the 20th anniversary of my undergraduate graduation ceremony. Walking through the rows of students to the platform gave me chills, and I had an immense appreciation for my undergraduate journey—starting and seeing it through to the end.
Q: What do you like to do outside of work?
A: Entrepreneurship is my passion, so I usually dream of new business ideas in my free time. I enjoy spending time with family and friends. Also, I appreciate the ability to travel (domestically and globally). I enjoy water (a lot), so it is a bonus when I travel to destinations with beaches!
Q: What advice do you give people who want to do what you do professionally?
A: Find mentors. Some people indeed want to see you thrive, and they are happy to share their own experiences to support your growth. Take a chance—there is a reason you have that dream—and do not allow fear of the unknown to stop you from pursuing your deepest desires.
