Professor TAO Aizhu: A Legacy of Vision and Grit

Over a forty-year journey that saw the discipline of education take root and flourish at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, one figure stands out for her foundational role: Professor TAO Aizhu. With a rare blend of tenacity and foresight, she did not merely witness the growth of the field—she engineered it. From establishing the very first research office to cultivating a distinctive "SJTU Model" of scholarship, her career was dedicated to bridging theory with action, leaving a lasting imprint on both her university and the landscape of Chinese higher education.

Part 01: Building the Foundation

The story begins in 1985, when Professor TAO was entrusted with a seminal task: to create SJTU's Higher Education Research Office. Armed with little more than a small, dedicated team and a clear sense of purpose, she built a research unit from the ground up. Her vision was practical and pioneering—to forge a platform that combined rigorous analysis, strategic consultation, and scholarly publication, all in service to the university's development. In an institution renowned for science and engineering, she successfully argued for the indispensable value of educational research, planting a seed that would grow into a vital academic field.

Part 02: Forging the "SJTU Model"

Professor TAO’s work quickly evolved from internal service to national influence. She championed a research philosophy that tackled concrete challenges, most notably in the 1990s with groundbreaking studies on the role of universities in Shanghai's economic revitalization—work that captured the attention of municipal leadership. Her seminal 1993 publication on world-class universities broke new ground in Chinese academia and informed pivotal national initiatives like the 211 and 985 Projects. This body of work crystallized into what peers termed the "SJTU Model": a uniquely impactful approach that harmonized applied problem-solving with theoretical depth, serving as a critical conduit between institutional strategy and national policy.

Part 03: Reflections

Today, the legacy of Professor TAO Aizhu’s early labors is vividly clear. The modest office she once assembled has blossomed into a full-fledged School of Education. The insightful reports produced by her team have become integral chapters in the story of China's educational reform. The ambitious visions of excellence she once articulated have been realized through the sustained efforts of the community she helped build. For Professor TAO, witnessing this transformation—from a solitary idea to a thriving reality—is a source of her deepest professional fulfillment and pride. Her story is a testament to how one scholar's pragmatic vision and pioneering spirit can chart the course for an entire discipline.

Translated by NIU Jiayi

Rewritten, Proofread and Edited by CHEN Ruoxi