Young Education Leader in Kazakhstan Shares Personal Journey in Higher Education Administration
Fresh Take:
34-Year-Old Laura Karabassova Shakes Up Higher Education at Aktobe Regional University
Laura Karabassova, the youngest rector in Kazakhstan, is revitalizing Aktobe Regional University and making waves in the higher education scene. In an exclusive chat with The Astana Times, she shares her vision for the university and what it takes to lead in today's world.
"At 34, I've learned that true leadership is about earning trust, credibility, and connecting with others," says Karabassova, who took up the rector position in 2021.
Founded in 1935, the university boasts over 14,000 students across bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs. As a proud graduate of this institution herself, Karabassova feels a powerful sense of purpose in giving back to her community and nation.
So, what's the secret sauce for transforming ARU into a globally-connected, research-intensive university? According to Karabassova, it starts with academic excellence and a commitment to enhancing teaching and research quality.
The university's journey to greatness involves attracting industry leaders, building a student-centered environment, and embracing an international perspective — as demonstrated by the shift to English-medium instruction for several academic programs and the welcome of students from various countries like India, Pakistan, Ghana, and China.
Prioritizing internationalization, faculty development, and English proficiency is essential in today's highly interconnected world. In her words, "English is the lingua franca of global academia."
One of the challenges she faced was spearheading the reform of academic policies, aiming to foster a learning environment rooted in academic integrity and long-term excellence. Balancing cultural resistance with the need for systemic change is no easy feat, but Karabassova embraces every hurdle as an opportunity to learn and grow.
In partnership with the prestigious Heriot-Watt University, the university has flourished, with 10 international professors now permanently based in Aktobe. The collaboration aims to attract highly-employable graduates and enhance academic processes to international standards.
Despite the challenges, Karabassova remains grounded and focused on her mission:
"Leadership isn't just about holding a title. It's about service, vision, and empowering others." By fostering a supportive, inclusive, and adaptable environment, Karabassova is building a legacy that will touch the lives of countless students, faculty, and staff.
- Laura Karabassova, in her role as the youngest rector in Kazakhstan, is utilizing her position at Aktobe Regional University to advocate for academic excellence, faculty development, and internationalization, as English serves as the lingua franca of global academia.
- To transform ARU into a research-intensive, globally-connected university, Karabassova is focusing on attracting industry leaders, creating a student-centered environment, and prioritizing English proficiency, as demonstrated by the shift to English-medium instruction for several academic programs.
- In line with her belief that true leadership is about service and empowering others, Karabassova is working to build a supportive, inclusive, and adaptable learning environment that fosters academic integrity and long-term excellence, with the hope of touching the lives of countless students, faculty, and staff.
