09-08-2025
As the newly appointed department head of the Marketing Department at the Daniels School of Business, I find myself reflecting on the remarkable opportunity in front of us. The school’s recent restructuring is more than just a change in organization — it’s an ambitious step toward market responsiveness, STEM specialization and leadership excellence, all of which fuels the school’s shared mission to build the future of business.
What excites me most is the chance to lead a department built on rigorous research, but also deeply open to new ideas. We have the freedom now to experiment — whether that means introducing more hands-on projects, leveraging cutting-edge technologies or deepening industry connections. Being surrounded by a collegial, creative faculty dedicated to taking this next step together is, for me, a genuine privilege.
I’ve been fortunate to teach and do research in some of the world’s leading business schools, experiences that have broadened my view of higher education. In previous leadership roles, I’ve learned the value of fostering an environment where collaboration, open dialogue and shared goals drive progress. My own research, where marketing meets data science and behavioral economics, has taught me to lead with an open mind, a focus on innovation and a strong commitment to mentoring.
I want every faculty member to feel like they’re part of the same team, where inclusivity, transparency and curiosity are fundamental values. We’ll encourage bold research, risk-taking in pedagogy, and genuine contributions to our collective mission. Collegiality, respect and a relentless drive for excellence will be our foundation.
As we move into the new year, our team is focused on three main goals:
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Success, for us, comes down to tangible impact. We’ll look at the reach of our research in top journals and its influence on business practice. Student outcomes matter greatly — producing graduates who are skilled, well-mentored and highly competitive in the job market is essential. We’ll also measure the breadth and quality of our collaborations, from interdisciplinary partnerships across campus to high-profile industry projects.
Business education is changing fast, with data-driven decision-making more crucial than ever. Companies need talent that can design, interpret and explain models for complex human behavior — not just crunch the numbers. Our department’s robust quantitative research background and tradition of training leading PhD students puts us in a prime position to meet this demand.
What sets us apart is agility. Our size allows us to act quickly, while our expertise lets us capitalize on new trends. Faculty across marketing, analytics and AI bring the latest ideas directly into their teaching and research, and thanks to strong partnerships with Engineering, Science and Liberal Arts, we can build cross-disciplinary teams rapidly whenever opportunities or industry challenges arise.
Everything we do is aimed at preparing students to be both smart and adaptable, able to think critically, model complex systems and deeply understand markets and consumers. Our alumni make a mark, whether leading in academia or driving innovation in industry. Undergraduates and master’s students graduate with the skills to turn data into actionable business strategies.
Our curriculum is a blend of theory, data analytics and hands-on learning experiences. We’re on the cutting edge, using generative AI, Bayesian modeling and behavioral experiments in the classroom. Our research agenda is focused on making a difference — in healthcare marketing, sustainability and the impact of new technologies, always using the latest modeling methods and collaborating with corporate partners.
The new structure invites more interdisciplinary work with departments across science, liberal arts and engineering. We’re able to develop collaborative research programs and offer more experiential opportunities — marketing labs, consulting projects — that connect students’ career ambitions with faculty expertise.
This restructuring gives Purdue the best of both worlds: the depth of a focused department and the breadth of STEM and research strengths. It allows us to offer a unique environment where rigorous analysis meets interdisciplinary teamwork, positioning our school as a true innovation hub in business education.
Ting Zhu joined Purdue's marketing faculty in 2016. She holds a PhD in marketing from Carnegie Mellon University (2006). Zhu specializes in new product management, marketing analytics, consumer behavior and pricing. Her research focuses on consumer choices, retail competition, new technology adoption and sustainability. She has received numerous awards and grants and has previously taught at the University of British Columbia, University of Chicago and Tsinghua University.
