Tianyang Li earned a Master of Supply Chain Management from the University of Michigan’s Stephen M. Ross School of Business, building on two Honors Bachelor of Science degrees in Supply Chain Management and Business Data Analytics from Arizona State University’s W. P. Carey School of Business. Professionally, Tianyang has excelled in roles across the logistics, manufacturing, and healthcare industries, leading international business partnerships, optimizing supply chain strategies, and driving client-centric solutions that deliver measurable impact. Previous experience includes consulting for a global technology leader, where Tianyang streamlined operational processes and achieved significant efficiency improvements.
Beyond professional accomplishments, Tianyang served as the Athletic Chair for the University of Michigan–Ross School of Business, Master of Supply Chain Management program, reflecting a strong commitment to fostering community engagement.
Outside of work, Tianyang is a passionate sports enthusiast, supporting Michigan athletics and actively cheering for the Los Angeles Chargers, Arizona Diamondbacks, Detroit Tigers, and Scuderia Ferrari. A former student-athlete at Arizona State University, Tianyang was coincidentally under the current Michigan Baseball Coach—Tracy Smith—while at ASU, a fun connection to both alma maters.
My “Why”:
As a kid, I didn’t know which universities held the highest prestige. All I knew was this: I loved the combination of Yellow (Maize) and Blue. Yellow (Maize) evoked feelings of joy, comfort, warmth, and serenity—emotions that the University of Michigan and Ann Arbor have always given me. They became my home away from home, a place that would never abandon me, always standing watch in the distance.
As I grew older, I learned the name of one of the most famous athletes in the world: Tom Brady, a seven-time Super Bowl champion and a former quarterback of the Michigan Wolverines. Through Tom, I learned the spirit of leadership—how to persevere in moments of adversity and how to exude confidence in times of triumph. This is the spirit of Michigan: fearless and resilient like a Wolverine, always charging forward with vitality and purpose. It was then that I told my parents: Remember this day—someday, I will step into The Big House as a passionate Michigan student, cheering for my team and my friends. And someday, I will walk out of The Big House as a proud alum, shouting to the world with excitement and pride: I am a Michigan Wolverine, a Conquering Hero!
In 2022, I made it happen. I walked into The Big House as a student, attending my first Michigan game. In 2023, I made it happen again. I donned my graduation gown and repeated to myself over and over: I did it. I did it. I did it. The University of Michigan provided me with a world-class academic environment. I owe special thanks to the Michigan Ross OYM office, particularly Senior Student Success Advisor Cheryl denBroeder-Kelly and Director Kaci Kegler, for their unwavering support. You gave me unforgettable memories during my one short year at Ross. To Professors Sophia Galifianakis and Jim Price, your kindness and care made Ann Arbor feel like home. To Jack D. Sparks Whirlpool Corporation Research Professor of Business Administration Dr. Maxim Sytch, Dr. Ali Hojjat, Donald C. Cook Professor of Business Administration Dr. Damian Beil, John Psarouthakis Research Professor of Manufacturing Management Dr. Roman Kapuscinski, and so many others—thank you. The knowledge you imparted will benefit me for a lifetime.
Choosing the University of Michigan has been one of the best decisions of my life. I am deeply honored to be a small star in the long and illustrious history of this institution since its founding in 1817. Now, as an alum, I am grateful for the chance to give back to my alma mater and my community in every way I can.