Purdue HTM Faculty Recognized Among World’s Top 2% Scientists

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Faculty members from Purdue University’s White Lodging–J.W. Marriott, Jr. School of Hospitality and Tourism Management (Purdue HTM) have been recognized among the world’s top 2% of scientists in the field of Sport, Leisure, and Tourism, according to the 2024 global ranking released by Stanford University and Elsevier.

The honored faculty include Liping Cai, SooCheong (Shawn) Jang, Ceridwyn King, Xinran Lehto, and Kevin So. This prestigious ranking highlights researchers whose scholarly work demonstrates exceptional impact and influence within their disciplines, based on standardized citation metrics and peer-reviewed research contributions.

“This recognition reflects the depth, rigor, and relevance of the research conducted by our faculty,” said Ceridwyn King, department head of Purdue HTM and associate dean of Indianapolis and strategic initiatives for Purdue’s College of Health and Human Science. “Their work not only advances academic knowledge but also informs industry practice and policy across hospitality, tourism, and leisure sectors worldwide.”

Purdue HTM faculty research spans a wide range of topics, including destination management, consumer behavior, sustainability, experience design, and global tourism development. Their collective contributions continue to strengthen Purdue’s reputation as a leader in hospitality and tourism education and research.

The school congratulates these faculty members on this significant achievement and thanks them for their unwavering commitment to research excellence and their lasting impact on students, industry, and the global academic community.