Tepper School of Business Celebrates Faculty Appointed to Endowed Chair Positions

The Tepper School of Business recently recognized two faculty members for their exceptional leadership, research impact, and dedication to teaching with endowed chair positions. On August 26, the school honored Soo-Haeng Cho, who was named the IBM Professor of Operations Management and Strategy, and Gaoqing Zhang, named the Heinz Professor of Accounting.

“These professorships celebrate excellence in research and teaching, ensuring that our faculty continue to shape the future of business and society,” Isabelle Bajeux-Besnainou, Dean of the Tepper School, said during the ceremony.

Cho, who joined the Tepper School in 2008, is internationally recognized for his work at the intersection of operations management, data science, game theory, and optimization. His award-winning research addresses topics such as supply chains, sustainability, healthcare operations, and digital platforms. 

"I am truly honored to have received the IBM Professorship in Operations Management and Strategy three years ago and have an opportunity today to celebrate with many people I am so grateful to,” said Cho. “This recognition is a testament to the collaborative work of my colleagues and students at the Tepper School of Business, and it inspires me to continue pursuing research that makes a real-world impact."

Dr. Zhang, a 2014 graduate of the Tepper School’s doctoral program, is a leading scholar in the economic theory of accounting. His research explores the impact of financial disclosures, the incentives behind accounting rules, and the causes of accounting fraud. He also co-founded the Tepper School Accounting Research Lab and plays an active role in mentoring doctoral students. 

“As I accept this chair, I do so with the recognition that it is both an honor and a responsibility,” Zhang said at the event. “It is an opportunity to advance research in our field, to mentor students who will become the next generation of leaders, and to contribute to the Tepper School’s and CMU’s proud tradition of excellence.”

The ceremony included remarks from Carnegie Mellon University President Farnam Jahanian and Provost James Garrett and concluded with the presentation of engraved chairs to both honorees, a long-standing tradition for recipients of endowed professorships. Cho and Zhang's family, friends, and colleagues gathered to celebrate their new positions and their contributions to the Tepper School.