BEIJING, Jan. 17 -- Zhang Tielin, a veteran Chinese actor, has been appointed principal of the arts college at Jinan University in Guangdong Province.

    Zhang is well-known for his many popular TV roles, especially as emperors of ancient China¡¯s Qing Dynasty in Princess Pearl and the Ji Xiaolan TV series. He earned a master¡¯s degree from the London Film Academy and has rich experience in acting, directing and screenwriting.

    Zhang was excited about his appointment. ¡°Jinan University has a good reputation in the world,¡± he said. ¡°This is one of the reasons I applied for the position.¡±

    However, Zhang was non-committal when asked about his plans for managing the new college and the salary for the position. ¡°I cannot give answers now, as the college is still under construction,¡± Zhang said. He insisted he would not be an honorary principal.

    The art college of Jinan University will provide degree courses for music, dance, painting, film and acting majors. The college currently has only a few teachers from the university¡¯s art center. Specific structure and course arrangements will be up to the new principal.

    Teachers and students in Jinan University welcomed Zhang¡¯s appointment. They hoped that Zhang, as a veteran actor, could bring new teaching methods and breakthroughs to the college.

    According to the recruitment notice, the annual salary for the position of principal is 300,000 yuan (US$36,000) maximum. Jinan University is widely regarded one of the best universities in China for overseas Chinese students.

(Source: Shenzhen Daily)