In 1930, National Qingdao University was established on the original site of the Private Qingdao University with Mr. Yang Zhensheng as its first president. Following the principles of academic freedom and inclusiveness, he advocated that students should gain a balanced education in both the liberal arts and science, values that were strictly upheld during his tenure. At his suggestion, marine-related disciplines such as coastal biology, oceanography and meteorology were set up, and renowned scholars and academic professionals were invited to teach at the university.