Tommy Pan Fang
Rice University, Jones Graduate School of Business
“I am part of one of the first undergraduate cohort to graduate out of Jones Business in 2026. This school has provided an incredible experience, leveraging the resources from the MBA program while having small classes, allowing a personal connection with each professor. While I enjoyed all of my professors, Dr. Tommy Pan Fang stood out as the most engaging, thought-provoking, and intelligent teacher. In his course, Strategic Management (BUSI 390), I consistently found myself tying in previous and current concepts from class into the cases we reviewed during our discussion. I felt excited to participate.
This was a class where I truly believed hard work paid off in terms of academic and internship applicability. Last summer, I worked on Data Center Development for a large company, and found out Dr. Fang was in the process of publishing a paper for Harvard Business called: Where the Cloud Rests: The Location Strategies of Data Centers. After approaching and developing a relationship with Dr. Fang, I am now working as a research assistant to conduct analysis of the strategy of Data Centers.” – Paul Gregory
Tommy Pan Fang, 30, is an Assistant Professor of Strategic Management at Rice University’s Jones Graduate School of Business.
His research explores the intersection of strategic management, the economics of digitization, and entrepreneurship. His recent research has examined how digital platforms can sustain long-term growth and how digitization has impacted firms’ organization, strategic choices, and performance.
His research has been published or is forthcoming in journals such as Organization Science, Strategic Management Journal, and Academy of Management Annals. He has received recognition through various grants and awards from the Strategic Management Society, Academy of Management, and other organizations.
BACKGROUND
At current institution since what year? 2022
Education: BS, University of Pennsylvania, PhD, Harvard Business School
List of Undergraduate courses you teach: Strategic Management
TELL US ABOUT LIFE AS A BUSINESS SCHOOL PROFESSOR
I knew I wanted to be a business school professor when … I saw how business research could reveal new insights that excite students and shape the future of business. During my doctoral studies, I became passionate about exploring the dynamic relationship between technology and strategy. Teaching lets me share these discoveries with future leaders, inspiring them to think critically and make informed decisions that could drive meaningful changes in industry.
What are you currently researching and what is the most significant discovery you’ve made from it? I have recently delved into novel organizational forms that promote collaboration and innovation. For example, I’ve studied hackathons—temporary gatherings that tech companies can strategically use to drive platform adoption and recombination.
Hackathons stand out because they blend competition with collaboration. Although teams may technically compete, these events foster an open environment where developers exchange insights, build new skills, and observe which tools gain traction within the community. This social exposure enhances a platform’s credibility and attractiveness. For tech companies, sponsoring hackathons is a valuable strategy to boost visibility and integrate their technology into the broader developer ecosystem. By immersing developers in a collaborative setting, hackathons help establish the network effects that are essential for a platform’s long-term growth and competitive advantage.
If I weren’t a business school professor, I’d be … building new products. I’m drawn to the energy of building something from the ground up and the fast pace of tech. The opportunity to drive change and bring new ideas to life in an entrepreneurial environment would be fun to be a part of.
What do you think makes you stand out as a professor? My focus on hands-on learning. I constantly experiment with different methods to make concepts come to life. I use simulations, business cases, and interactive projects in the classroom to help students engage with material in a way that feels real and relevant. By exploring different approaches, I aim to help students understand theories and see how they play out in real business situations, to hopefully prepare them to handle the complexities they’ll face in their careers.
One word that describes my first time teaching: Exhilarating
Here’s what I wish someone would’ve told me about being a business school professor: The teaching experience evolves with each class, and adapting to new insights from students keeps the role both challenging and rewarding.
Professor I most admire and why: My PhD advisor at Harvard, Andy Wu, is truly dedicated to his students. He constantly encourages us to think deeply and approach ideas from new perspectives. His open-mindedness, curiosity, and consistent support create an environment where we feel free to take risks and explore new research directions. His strong belief in our potential builds our confidence and drives our growth as scholars.
TEACHING BUSINESS SCHOOL STUDENTS
What do you enjoy most about teaching business students? Their eagerness to connect theoretical concepts with real-world applications. Business students often bring diverse professional experiences into the classroom, enriching discussions and fostering a collaborative learning environment.
What is most challenging? Balancing the diverse backgrounds and experiences of students to ensure that course material is accessible and engaging for everyone.
In one word, describe your favorite type of student: Curious students are my favorite because they bring energy and questions that drive deeper discussions. Their eagerness to explore new ideas often sparks fresh insights and creates a more dynamic learning environment for everyone.
In one word, describe your least favorite type of student: Unengaged students, on the other hand, stand out because they miss the chance to fully connect with the material and contribute to the learning process. When students lack interest or involvement, it’s challenging to create a meaningful experience that benefits the whole class.
When it comes to grading, I think students would describe me as … Tough but fair.
LIFE OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM
What are your hobbies? I love traveling and catching a soccer match whenever I can. I also enjoy tackling DIY projects inspired by YouTube tutorials.
How will you spend your summer? Doing research and visiting some family in China.
Favorite place(s) to vacation: Rome
Favorite book(s): Brave New World (Aldous Huxley)
What is currently your favorite movie and/or show and what is it about the film or program that you enjoy so much? The Office. It’s a humorous reminder of how human quirks shape organizational culture.
What is your favorite type of music or artist(s) and why? My favorite singer is my wife, who always brightens our drives to work (her YouTube channel is @gracedygrace).
THOUGHTS AND REFLECTIONS
If I had my way, the business school of the future would have much more of this … Real-world project collaborations with companies. Integrating live projects would give students firsthand experience in tackling industry challenges.
In my opinion, companies and organizations today need to do a better job at … embracing change.
I’m grateful for … the unwavering support of my mentors and colleagues in the academic community, whose guidance has profoundly shaped my professional path. Their encouragement fosters a collaborative spirit that I deeply value, pushing me to grow both personally and academically. I’m also incredibly thankful for my parents and sister, who have instilled in me perseverance and curiosity. Finally, my wife has been an amazing source of strength through every challenge and achievement, and she has taught me the importance of taking time to appreciate others and their contributions.
These meaningful relationships—with my community and my family—enrich my life and fuel my commitment to my work and to those around me. Teaching and working with students further deepen this sense of purpose, as their enthusiasm and growth continually inspire me and reinforce my commitment to making a positive impact.
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