Yong Zhao is a foundation distinguished professor in the School of Education at the University of Kansas. Prior to that, he served as the presidential chair, director of the Institute for Global and Online Education, and associate dean in the College of Education, University of Oregon, where he was also a professor in the Department of Educational Measurement, Policy, and Leadership.

Zhao has published more than 100 articles and 30 books and received numerous awards, including the Outstanding Public Educator from Horace Mann League of USA, and Distinguished Achievement Award in Professional Development from the Association of Education Publishers. He is an elected fellow of the International Academy for Education and recognized as one of the most influential education scholars.