Meet Yufei Zhong, Assistant Professor at the Eller College of Management
The Eller College of Management is pleased to welcome Yufei Zhong as one of its newest assistant professors in the Department of Management and Organizations. Zhong has been with Eller since the beginning of the fall 2024 semester. Her current role primarily involves conducting research, teaching classes and mentoring students, guiding them in their academic and career paths. Beginning in the spring of 2025, she will be working directly with student in the undergraduate course MGMT 444 Managing Groups and Teams, where she will introduce them to scientific findings and insights on teamwork and collaboration.
“The key takeaway I hope to impart is that effective teamwork requires patience and commitment, but it is a fun and rewarding experience,” says Zhong. “I also want students to gain a deeper understanding of their own strengths and work styles, encouraging them to develop authentically rather than conforming to external expectations.”
As a researcher, Zhong is focused on advancing the understanding of organizational behavior, particularly in areas like social hierarchy. As a teacher and mentor, she aims to equip students with the skills they need to thrive in their careers and become effective leaders.
“I love the thrill of exploring new ideas in research and tackling complex problems,” she says of her role. “It’s also incredibly fulfilling to see students grow—both personally and professionally—as they prepare for the workplace.”
Zhong admits the biggest challenge of her role is the delayed gratification of research outcomes and student development, both of which take time to come to fruition. However, she adds, “It requires patience and resilience, but the journey is worth it.”
Born and raised in Wuhan, China, Zhong has been living in the U.S. for a decade, experiencing life in Pennsylvania and Georgia, where she completed her PhD in Management at Georgia Tech in May, before moving to Arizona. She was drawn to Eller by its strong reputation and the exciting research being conducted here.
“During my campus visit, I was immediately captivated by the rich culture, the stunning desert landscape and the genuinely friendly and supportive community,” says Zhong. “They made Tucson feel like the right place to be.”
Though at home at Eller and in the community, Zhong admits that adjusting to the unique desert environment has been quite the adventure... one that she is embracing. In her (rare) spare time, she loves working out, playing tennis and hiking. She is also thrilled to be pursuing a certification as a personal trainer.