For student needs, provost lends a listening ear

Most of the "big bosses" of universities, both in and out of China, don't teach undergraduate classes, but Chris Rudd, provost of the University of Nottingham Ningbo China, is an exception.

Having taken over the management of the oldest Sino-foreign university in China in August 2015, the professor of mechanics and materials taught second and final year undergraduates every week during his first academic cycle on the dynamic campus.

Calling it "deeply satisfying" to work with students and help them overcome challenges in their studies in professional courses and English language skills, Rudd said he actually chose to deliver classes out of his own need to get to know the thinking of his students and their parents.