The Fogelman College of Business and Economics (FCBE) at the University of Memphis is pleased to announce the appointment of two nationally recognized scholars to newly established Dunavant Endowed Faculty in Supply Chain Management (SCM). Dr. Zhili Tian will join the Department of Supply Chain Management as an associate professor, and Dr. Pettis Kent will join as an assistant professor beginning this Fall.
These endowed professorships were established through the generosity of the estate of William B. “Billy” Dunavant, whose transformational investment reflects a shared commitment to advancing supply chain management research, education and innovation. The gift enables the University of Memphis to recruit world-class faculty whose research will elevate our supply chain management programs and reinforce Memphis’ position as the global leader in supply chain management.
“These appointments reflect our continued commitment to building a world-class research enterprise and attracting faculty whose work has global impact,” said Dr. Bobby Garrett, FCBE dean. “Drs. Tian and Kent are exceptional scholars whose research portfolios, industry engagement and dedication to student success will further elevate the Fogelman College’s national reputation. We are deeply grateful to the Dunavant family for their visionary investment, which enables us to recruit faculty who will shape the future of supply chain management while strengthening the University’s R1 mission.”
Dr. Tian joins FCBE from the University of Houston-Downtown, where he served as associate professor and academic director. An internationally recognized researcher, his work has been published in many of the world’s leading operations and supply chain management journals, including Manufacturing & Service Operations Management, Production and Operations Management, Decision Sciences and the European Journal of Operational Research. His research focuses on supply chain optimization, logistics, data-driven decision-making and artificial intelligence applications in operations management. Throughout his career, he has secured research support and collaborated with major global organizations including Pfizer, Novartis, Stanley Black & Decker, IQVIA and Servier Pharmaceuticals, translating analytical research into measurable business improvements for industry partners.
Dr. Kent joins FCBE from Loyola University Chicago after more than a decade of executive leadership with Procter & Gamble, where he managed global sourcing strategies and multimillion-dollar supply chains before transitioning to academia. His research examines production knowledge transfer, strategic sourcing and supply chain operations, with publications appearing in leading journals including Production and Operations Management and the International Journal of Operations & Production Management. His recent paper on production knowledge transfer received the journal’s 2025 Outstanding Paper Award, recognizing it as the publication’s top paper of 2024. His combination of industry leadership and award-winning scholarship brings a unique perspective to both research and student learning.
“Drs. Tian and Kent bring complementary expertise that will have a profound impact on our students,” said Dr. Ernie Nichols, chair of the SCM Department. “Their work addresses some of the most pressing challenges facing global supply chains. Their scholarship and industry partnerships will create new opportunities for collaboration with business leaders and accelerate innovation across our region.”
FCBE extends its sincere appreciation to the estate of William B. “Billy” Dunavant for its visionary investment in the future of supply chain management education and research. Through these endowed professorships, the Dunavant legacy will continue to drive discovery and prepare future leaders who will shape the future of global supply chains.
