Hunan Normal University
Huang was born in Chen County (now Suxian District of Chenzhou), Hunan, in 1889. His father, Huang Ruhu (), was a traditional Chinese intellectual. His brother, Huang Tigui (), was a graduate student in Yuelu Academy. Huang attended the First High School of Chenzhou. He secondary studied at the First High School of Changsha and the High School Attached to Hunan Normal University. He received his bachelor's degree from the University of Iowa, and his master's degree from Columbia University.