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Chinese man makes history as first educator from mainland university to lead top US institute

More than 40 years ago, he became the first person from his rural family to study at a university in China.
Four decades on he was…

By Samantha Johnson / May 3, 2026

More than 40 years ago, he became the first person from his rural family to study at a university in China.

Four decades on he was appointed chancellor of UC Riverside, a prestigious school in the United States.

The story of S. Jack Hu, a Chinese-American who is the first individual with a bachelor’s education from mainland China to head a top US institution, has trended on social media, inspiring millions of internet users.

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The 62-year-old Hu, whose Chinese name is Hu Shixin, hails from a village in Changde in central Hunan province.

S. Jack Hu, above, was born into a village family in rural China. Photo: Courtesy of UGA
S. Jack Hu, above, was born into a village family in rural China. Photo: Courtesy of UGA

He studied engineering machinery at Tianjin University in China, receiving a bachelor’s degree in 1983.

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