Dr. So Again Named in World’s Top 1% of Research Scientists and Named Endowed Professor

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Author: Abby Lillpop

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – The Purdue University Board of Trustees has named Kevin Kam Fung So the C.B. Smith Endowed Professor of Hospitality and Tourism Management for his distinguished scholarship and global reputation in the field. This prestigious appointment, made possible through a generous gift from James E. and Shirley G. Dora in memory of their close friend and business associate C.B. Smith, recognizes Dr. So’s extensive contribution to advancing research and innovation in hospitality and tourism management.

Dr. So’s research has earned him international acclaim, particularly for his groundbreaking work in service innovations, customer engagement, digital marketing, the sharing economy, and human-AI interactions within the hospitality and tourism sectors. His ability to blend theory with real-world applications has made him a thought leader, and academics and industry professionals frequently cite his research. His inclusion in Clarivate’s 2024 Highly Cited Researchers List, indicating research excellence and influence, underscores his profound impact on the global academic community. “Each researcher selected has authored multiple Highly Cited Papers, which rank in the top 1% by citations for their fields and publication year in the Web of Science over the past decade,” according to Clarivate. “Of the world’s population of scientists and social scientists, Highly Cited Researchers are 1 in 1,000.” Dr. So is ranked among the world’s Top 10 scholars in research areas, including hospitality marketing, customer engagement, sharing economy, and customer experience based on total citations, according to Google Scholar. 2024 marks Dr. So’s fourth consecutive inclusion on Clarivate’s Highly Cited Researchers List.

Throughout his career, Dr. So has published extensively on topics such as customer engagement strategies, customer experience management, and consumer adoption of service innovations. His research has influenced both academic discourse and industry practices, shaping how businesses approach customer-centric innovation. “Dr. So’s is at the forefront of global research, providing insights that are redefining the perimeters of hospitality and tourism service excellence,” remarked Ceridwyn King, Department Head of the White Lodging-J.W. Marriott, Jr. School of Hospitality and Tourism Management.

A recurring theme in Dr. So’s research, having garnered more than 11,000 citations with 2,100 this year alone, is the intersection of technological innovations and hospitality and tourism marketing. His studies on how digital tools transform customer experiences have provided valuable insights into leveraging technology for personalized and seamless customer experience.

“Purdue HTM is home to world-class faculty who conduct cutting-edge research in our field. There are multiple ways our scholarly work can impact society, one of which is influencing research conducted by scholars worldwide,” So said. “I deeply appreciate the institutional support from HTM, HHS, and Purdue… As researchers, we devote our time and energy to scholarly activities. Journal editors, editorial board members, and numerous reviewers also dedicate extra hours to ensure an efficient yet rigorous publishing process. Knowing our published work is read and used by students and other scholars all around the world is truly gratifying. This reason motivates us to continue to publish.” 

Dr. So’s influence extends beyond academia through his engagement with government agencies and global hospitality organizations. He frequently collaborates with renowned industry experts to bridge the gap between research and practice, ensuring his findings have practical, global implications. His dedication to fostering meaningful relationships aligns with Purdue’s mission to lead in research-driven innovation.

As Dr. So embarks on this next chapter as the C.B. Smith Endowed Professor of Hospitality and Tourism Management, his work will continue to influence the trajectory of hospitality and tourism management, inspiring both current and future generations of scholars and professionals. His appointment marks a pivotal moment for Purdue HTM, as Dr. King remarked, “His contributions will continue to shape the future of our field and enhance Purdue’s standing as a leader in impactful research.”