Li Shutian (1900.2.10-1988.3.28) was born in Changli, Hebei. He graduated from Beiyang University with a degree in soil science, and received a doctorate from Cornell University after studying in the United States. Later he was hired as a professor by his alma mater. He is a famous expert in higher education and a hydraulic scientist in China. He served as the dean of many colleges and was one of the pioneers of modern water conservancy science in China. Li Shutian went to Taiwan Province Province on 1949 and settled in the United States the following year. 1972 founded the World Open University and Lee Institute of Science and Technology in the United States, and set up 33 branches in 17 countries. 1988 died in Rapid City, South Dakota, USA. He is the author of many books, such as Collection of Farmland Water Conservancy Publications, General Situation of Water Conservancy Construction in North China and Water Conservancy Problems in China.