Dr. Hsiang-te Kung, the 75th generation of Confucius, is a Geography professor in the Earth Sciences Department, Director of the Confucius Institute and Asian Studies and International Trade Program at the University of Memphis. He specializes in water resources, urban hydrology, urban physical environment, land-surface system, fluvial geomorphology, landform/terrain analysis, and Asia - China. He was the chair of the Department of Geography and Planning at the University from 1991 to 2001.

He published more than 106 refereed journal articles and received more than 80 research grants. He is the first author of Chinese Listening and Speaking Workbook 1 (2008, Chinese Language Alliance Press) and co-editor of Towards Cooperative Utilization and Co-ordinated Management of International Rivers (2001, Science Press) and Regional Hydrological Response to Climate Change (1996, Kluwer), and Regional Development and Environmental Strategies (1989, Science and Technology Press). He has been a Visiting Fellow at the Chinese Academy of Sciences China (2004), a Visiting Professor for University of Pittsburgh Institute of Shipboard Education – Semester at Sea Program and at 13 Chinese universities (Honorable Professor at four of them). He was past Chair of the Department of Geography and Planning (1992-01) and in 2007 was appointed Director of the newly created Confucius Institute and Director of the Asian Studies and International Trade Program. He is a four-time Nominee for the Distinguished Teaching Service Award, a Nominee for the Eminent Faculty Award (2000) and has received the Excellence in Teaching Award (University Honors Program) (2008) has twice received the Superior Performance in University Research (1993, 1994) and PI-Millionaire (2014) for Outstanding Research Activities, the College of Arts and Sciences Meritorious Faculty Award (2005) and Award for Advising Excellence (2006).