### Professor Liu Zheng Appointed as Deputy Vice President of Xinjiang University - A Strategic Move by Tsinghua University Recently, the Communist Party of China (CPC) Committee of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region has appointed Professor Liu Zheng, from Tsinghua University's Department of Chemical Engineering, as a member of the CPC Committee and Deputy Vice President (on a temporary assignment) at Xinjiang University. On February 28, Tsinghua University's Party Secretary Hu Ping and Standing Party Secretary Chen Xu accompanied Professor Liu to Xinjiang University for his new role. They also held discussions with Xinjiang University's Party Secretary Li Zhongyao to explore further avenues for support and cooperation. #### Background on Professor Liu Zheng Professor Liu Zheng, born in 1964 in Lingbao, Henan, joined Tsinghua University's Department of Chemical Engineering in 1982 and earned his Ph.D. in 1993. He currently serves as the Deputy Director of Tsinghua University's Institute of Chemical Science and Technology. Throughout his career, Liu has held several significant administrative positions within Tsinghua University, including: - **1997-1998**: Deputy Secretary of the Department of Chemical Engineering's Party Committee - **1998-1999**: Acting Deputy Minister of the University's Party Organization Department - **1998-2006**: Head of the Department of Chemical Engineering - **2007-2009**: Acting Assistant Mayor of Baicheng City, Jilin Province, appointed by the Central Organization Department of the CPC #### Tsinghua University's Support for Xinjiang University Tsinghua University is the leading institution in the Ministry of Education's Higher Education Support Team for Xinjiang University, which includes a consortium of ten domestic universities. Over the years, Tsinghua University has been actively involved in various support initiatives for Xinjiang University, focusing on: - **Doctoral Program Applications**: Assisting Xinjiang University in the application process for new doctoral programs. - **Teacher Training**: Facilitating the acceptance of Xinjiang University's faculty members for advanced training and visits. - **Inter-Institutional Visits**: Encouraging mutual visits between Tsinghua University and the colleges at Xinjiang University to foster academic and cultural exchange. The appointment of Professor Liu Zheng to Xinjiang University is a crucial element of this ongoing support effort. It aims to strengthen the administrative and academic capabilities of Xinjiang University through the expertise and experience of a seasoned Tsinghua University professor. #### The Meeting and Future Plans During the meeting, the leaders from Tsinghua University and Xinjiang University discussed a range of topics, including the continuation and expansion of the support initiatives. They emphasized the importance of deepening cooperation and collaboration to enhance the educational and research standards at Xinjiang University. The discussions also touched on potential areas for joint projects and the integration of resources to support Xinjiang University's strategic development goals. #### Significance of the Appointment Professor Liu Zheng's new role at Xinjiang University is significant for several reasons: - **Enhanced Leadership**: His extensive administrative experience at Tsinghua University will bring a wealth of knowledge and leadership to Xinjiang University. - **Academic Collaboration**: His background in chemical engineering and research will facilitate stronger ties and collaborative projects between the two universities. - **Strategic Development**: His involvement will help Xinjiang University in achieving its long-term strategic goals, particularly in the areas of research and faculty development. This appointment underscores Tsinghua University's commitment to the development of higher education in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, reflecting a broader national strategy to promote balanced and inclusive educational opportunities across different regions of China. ### Conclusion The appointment of Professor Liu Zheng as Deputy Vice President at Xinjiang University marks a significant step in the Ministry of Education's Higher Education Support Program. It represents a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing the academic and administrative capacities of Xinjiang University, fostering a collaborative environment that benefits both institutions and contributes to the broader educational landscape in China.