Peking University replaces controversial president with… another controversial president
Divisive university president Wang Enge is replaced after just two years by a chemist who has stirred plenty of his own controversies
Peking University's contentious president Wang Enge is leaving the prestigious institution after less than two years in the job, and will be succeeded by someone described by local media as an even more controversial choice.
Lin Jianhua, a chemist who stirred controversy as president of two other universities, has been appointed to take Wang's place.
The Central Committee Organisation Department made the announcement to the university faculty yesterday morning.
Lin is currently president of Zhejiang University, while Wang, a physicist and member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, will take another appointment.
"A university must protect the purity of truth and a bad atmosphere must not tarnish the souls of young people," Lin said during his inauguration speech.
Lin, 59, is no stranger to the university. He obtained his bachelor and masters degrees and doctorate in chemistry at PKU and later taught there.
He headed PKU's College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering for three years, and was vice-president of the university from 2002 to 2010.