On the afternoon of April 7, the university held a leadership meeting for middle and senior-level officials in the Meeting Room 619 of the Comprehensive Building to announce the Board of Trustees' decision regarding the appointment of the university president. Li Wenhai, Chairman of the University's Board of Trustees, attended the meeting along with all senior university leaders. All middle and senior-level administrators, and secretaries of the CPC branches from all colleges participated in the meeting. Vice President and Secretary-General of the Board’s Executive Committee, Zhong Lanxiang, hosted the meeting on behalf of Chairman Li Wenhai.

Zhong Lanxiang announced the "Decision on Appointment and Removal of the President of Nanjing Tech University Pujiang Institute": Shi Jinfei was appointed as the President of Nanjing Tech University Pujiang Institute, and Lin Pinghua was relieved from the position of president due to age considerations.

Outgoing President Lin Pinghua delivered an emotional farewell speech. He expressed firm support and complete adherence to the decision of the Board of Trustees and extended sincere congratulations and best wishes to the newly appointed President Shi Jinfei. President Lin reflected affectionately on his nine-year tenure, his words deeply resonating with dedication to education and profound affection for the university. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to Chairman Cai Xufeng, Chairman Li Wenhai, and all faculty and staff for their strong support. Lin stated that although he is stepping down, he will continue to support the university's development as before, and he firmly believes that under the leadership of Chairman Li Wenhai and President Shi Jinfei, Pujiang Institute will advance steadily towards high-quality development and achieve even greater successes in the future.

Incoming President Shi Jinfei gave an inspiring inauguration speech. He expressed firm compliance with and support for the Board of Trustees' decision and sincerely thanked the Board for their trust and support. In his future work, he pledged to uphold the educational "work-oriented" philosophy, operating with a sense of urgency akin to "accepting a mission at dawn and drinking ice at dusk," and a deep sense of responsibility that "inactivity during the day leads to sleepless nights." Shi pledged to unite and lead all faculty and staff to deepen education and teaching reforms, cultivate application-oriented talents possessing "six-dimensional qualities," leverage artificial intelligence technologies to innovate educational models, and vigorously pursue the vision of "employment upon enrollment and assured employment upon graduation." His speech was visionary, clear, goal-oriented, and deeply motivating.

Finally, Chairman Li Wenhai delivered an important speech. He highlighted the significant dedication and effort President Lin Pinghua had put into the university’s development, expressing heartfelt gratitude for Lin’s major contributions over the years, and wished him a fulfilling, healthy, and joyful future. Subsequently, Chairman Li introduced the extensive experience and notable achievements of President Shi Jinfei and expressed confidence and anticipation that under Shi's leadership, the university would embark on an exciting new chapter. Chairman Li emphasized Shi Jinfei’s broad influence on higher education and expressed optimism that President Shi would utilize his management expertise from public universities to seize new opportunities and promote innovative development, guiding Pujiang Institute towards greater accomplishments.

Vice President Zhong Lanxiang stressed the importance of thoroughly implementing the spirit of this meeting, particularly Chairman Li Wenhai’s remarks, noting that a new beginning brings new hope and a new journey requires new action. Pujiang Institute called for unwavering commitment to the president responsibility system under the leadership of the Board of Trustees. Under the strong leadership of the Board of Trustees and the effective, direct guidance of President Shi, with greater confidence, enthusiasm, and a practical approach, Pujiang Institute will overcome difficulties, strive vigorously, and work innovatively to become an outstanding private university.

The meeting concluded successfully with enthusiastic applause.