Get to Know Professor Dong "Michelle" Li

This is Michelle Li's first semester as a Faculty Member/Associate Professor of Supply Chain Management in the business program at Arkansas State University. Let's chat with this very young professor!

Q: Where were you born?

Tianjin Province, China.

Q: What brought you to Arkansas State?

The people in Arkansas are wonderful. The students here are friendly, courteous, and always practical with high motivation in everything. In addition, the faculty and staff at A-State always put student success first.

Q: What makes a good instructor?

It's the ability to inspire students' motivation to learn.

Q: Who is the teacher who has impressed you the most so far? Why?

Oh, that would be my physics teacher in high school, someone who was always optimistic, confident, enthusiastic in helping students, and persistent with them. Her view was that "Learning is a process of continuous growth."

Q: What is the value of a college education?

It's an opportunity to broaden your horizons, build evaluative thinking skills, and develop critical thinking.

Q: What is your concept of "Education"?

A commitment to developing the human intellect.

Q: If you could teach a different subject, what would you choose and why?

Ah, I would teach physics. It's a subject that combines art and science. Moreover, there are many similarities between physics and business. Both require meticulous observation skills, logical thinking, and strong analytical skills—skills that are essential in today's globalized world.

Q: What do you hope to convey to everyone about the field of "Business" that you teach?

The theoretical concepts, methods, and initiatives that students learn in the "Business" major not only help them apply these skills in the business world but also in all other fields.

Q: What is your main work currently?

Through my own research, writing books on methods and skills for problem-solving and making sound decisions in highly competitive environments such as production lines.

Q: What is your special hobby?

It's my passion for watching movies and playing with Legos.

Q: What do you usually listen to while driving?

Light Rock, I especially like The Beatles.

Q: Favorite movie?

Schindler's List.

Q: Favorite TV series?

Sherlock.

Q: The most recent humorous book you read?

A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose – Eckhart Tolle.

Q: If you could go anywhere, where would you want to go the most?

The Moon. *laughs*

Q: 4 people you'd like to have coffee with:

Professor Anna Nagurney (who helped me with my dissertation at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst), the famous mathematician and economist Dr. John Nash, and my two closest friends, Min and Wenxu.

Q: The most helpful advice you've ever received:

Work hard for what you're passionate about, because nothing comes to us easily.

Q: One thing you've learned that you want to share with friends?

It's never too "expensive" to have the honor of working at something you're passionate about.

Q: Personal hobbies?

Swimming, cooking, playing with Legos, and traveling.

Q: Your passion?

Teaching, research, and watching movies.

Q: Favorite sports team?

Chelsea Football Club.

Q: What is your perfect day?

Any time I get to learn something new.

Q: Dream?

To learn more than two languages: preferably German and Latin.

Q: Favorite quote?

If you love life, make the most of your time instead of wasting it—that's when your life becomes fulfilled.