Young Rector of Kazakhstan recounts career path in educational administration

Rewritten Article:

Meet Laura Karabassova, the 34-year-old powerhouse rector of Aktobe Regional University, breaking barriers as the youngest leader in Kazakhstan's educational sphere. In a candid conversation with The Astana Times, she sheds light on her transformative journey and vision for the future of higher education.

Laura Karabassova's tenure began in 2021, adding a breath of fresh air to the prestigious institution. Established in 1935, the university is home to over 14,000 students, making strides in bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs. Karabassova herself is a proud alumna of the very university that she now serves.

"Serving as a rector is a life-changing leadership experience. True leadership isn't about titles but trust, credibility, and connecting with others authentically," she shares.

Her objectives center around making the university a globally connected, research-intensive hub with a robust academic foundation. While it's already a pillar of education and research in the region, there's always room for improvement.

Karabassova and her team aim to bolster academic and research excellence, enhance the curriculum's relevance, and foster stronger ties with employers and the local community. To achieve this, they invite industry leaders to teach and welcome international students from countries like India, Pakistan, Ghana, and China.

The university is also taking strides in promoting English as a medium of instruction, recognizing it as the lingua franca of global academia. This initiative is a crucial part of their plan to attract students worldwide and collaborate with UK-based universities like Heriot-Watt.

Overcoming challenges has been par for the course for Karabassova. One pivotal moment came when she led a university-wide reform of academic policies and practices to promote academic integrity. This required aligning diverse stakeholders and making tough decisions that didn't yield immediate results.

Looking back, she considers her work on a sustainable, institution-wide system for capacity development as her proudest achievement. "Through careful planning and concentrated efforts, we're managing to bring talented professionals to the region and foster growth," she says.

Partnership with prestigious universities like Heriot-Watt is another feather in the university's cap. They've collaborated since 2023, welcoming international professors to Aktobe and attracting students from across Kazakhstan and neighboring countries.

In an effort to ensure not just quality but inclusivity, this partnership has lifted up students from rural areas and underprivileged backgrounds. "Our students are excelling, demonstrating that with hard work and dedication, anyone can access quality education," she says.

There's a delicate balance between academic freedom and market relevance that universities must navigate. Karabassova is committed to bridging this divide by strengthening the practical applications of research and securing funding through commercialization.

"Companies are crucial partners for our researchers, helping bring their work to life and making a tangible difference in society," she emphasizes.

Overall, Karabassova sees her role as a means to fuel the future of education in her region. "Every day, I am driven by the potential to make an impact and pave new pathways for growth," she concludes.

As the youngest leader in Kazakhstan's educational sphere, Laura Karabassova, the 34-year-old rector of Aktobe Regional University, aims to strengthen the academic foundation of her alma mater.
Karabassova and her team strive to attract industry leaders as professors and invite international students, thus bolstering the university's credibility in the global science community.
In addition to promoting English as a medium of instruction, the university is focusing on women's health, health-and-wellness, and career development, creating a comprehensive education-and-self-development platform for its students.
To bridge the gap between academic freedom and market relevance, Karabassova plans to secure funding through commercialization and strengthen the practical applications of research in business and finance.
The esteemed partnership between Aktobe Regional University and Heriot-Watt University enhances the university's business leadership and fosters growth, particularly in underprivileged and rural areas.
By encouraging a robust research-intensive environment, Karabassova hopes to make a tangible difference in society and propel the future of higher education in her region.