Yu Lizhong

Yu Lizhong (born September 14, 1949) was the first Chancellor of New York University Shanghai, having held this position from 2012 to 2020. Yu was awarded the title of Chancellor Emeritus of NYU Shanghai upon his retirement. Yu Lizhong joined NYU Shanghai from East China Normal University (ECNU), where he served as president from 2006 to 2012. He also served as president of Shanghai Normal University prior to 2006.

Education
Yu Lizhong received his undergraduate degree in Geography from East China Normal University (ECNU) and his Ph.D. in Geography from the University of Liverpool. He also holds honorary doctorates from École Normale Supérieure and the University of Liverpool.

Research and Leadership
Yu’s research focuses on environmental processes, environmental change, and sustainable development. He has published over 150 refereed papers in major journals and is widely recognized as an influential scholar in the field, serving on the boards of multiple educational, environmental, and scientific organizations throughout China. A skilled researcher and dedicated teacher, Yu is also an experienced administrator, having served in several important administrative capacities throughout his career at ECNU. It was under his leadership and forward-thinking global vision that ECNU embarked upon an ambitious path of growth and internationalization, cementing ECNU’s reputation as an institution of higher education with global impact.