Young Rector of Kazakhstan Recounts Path in Educational Governance
A New Era for Aktobe Regional University
Laura Karabassova, the 34-year-old rector of Aktobe Regional University, is shaking up higher education in Kazakhstan. With a fresh perspective on leadership and a dedication to empowering students, she's ushering in a new era for the university. In an exclusive chat with The Astana Times, she opens up about her dreams for the institution.
Since taking the helm in 2021, Karabassova has made it her mission to turn Aktobe Regional University into a globally connected, research-driven institution, brimming with academic excellence. With over 14,000 students enrolled in undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs, it's already a vital center for education and research in the region. But Karabassova believes there's always room for progress.
"True leadership isn't about possessing a title, but about earning trust, credibility, and making real connections," she says. "I've committed myself to enhancing the university's academic and research standards, elevating the relevance of our curriculum, and building ties with local industries and the wider community."
To achieve these aims, Karabassova and her team have become firm believers in the power of diversity, attracting faculty and students from around the world. Last year, they welcomed students from countries like India, Pakistan, Ghana, and China, creating a vibrant, multicultural learning environment.
English proficiency is also a top priority, as Karabassova sees it as the key to unlocking opportunities in global academia. The university is working tirelessly to improve language skills among faculty and students, fostering a more cosmopolitan mindset on campus.
But transforming the university doesn't come without challenges. In the past, she's faced resistance while overhauling academic policies, aligning diverse stakeholders, and making difficult decisions that may not yield immediate results. Nevertheless, she remains undaunted, viewing every obstacle as an opportunity for growth and development.
Karabassova sees her proudest achievement as the creation of a sustainable, institution-wide system for capacity development. "Although attracting talented professionals to the region isn't an easy task, we're making it happen, one step at a time," she says. "Each positive impact reminds me that leadership is about service, vision, and empowering others."
This vision extends beyond the classroom, with Karabassova emphasizing the university's commitment to balancing academic freedom with market relevance. In 2023, Aktobe Regional University partnered with Heriot-Watt University in Scotland, establishing a campus that welcomes international faculty members and visiting scholars. The collaboration has already fostered significant improvements in the organization and management of academic processes, as well as the exchange of ideas and perspectives.
Looking ahead, Karabassova is optimistic about the university's future, confident that it's no longer a peripheral institution but one positioned to tackle national-level challenges and priorities. "Each day, I'm motivated by the opportunity to make a lasting impact on students, faculty, staff, and the broader community," she says. "Together, we're building something meaningful and enduring."
1. On Karabassova's Leadership Style:Karabassova's emphasis on trust, credibility, and connection suggests she might be a transformational leader, focusing on human relationships to drive change 1. She may also be a servant leader, placing the needs of others at the center of her approach 2.
2. On Karabassova's Community Commitment:Karabassova's personal connection to the university reflects a strong sense of identification and investment [1]. This ties into the concept of place-based leadership, where leaders are grounded in their communities and focus on creating positive change within their specific context 3.
3. Potential Strategies:- Increased International Collaboration: Karabassova might focus on partnerships, exchange programs, and research collaborations with international institutions to foster global connections [1][3].- Research-Intensive Approach: To bolster the university's research prowess, she could prioritize the development of research facilities, faculty, and interdisciplinary projects [1].- Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Encouraging innovation, entrepreneurship, and the commercialization of research could help the university tackle local challenges and align research with societal needs [2][3].
4. The Role of Diversity: With a multicultural learning environment, the university promises a rich tapestry of perspectives that will enrich academic discourse and equip students with global competencies, crucial in today's interconnected world.
5. Bridging Health and Academia: To capitalize on the opportunities offered by the renewed focus on research, Karabassova could foster collaborations between health and academia, particularly in the realm of women's health, health-and-wellness, and personal-growth fields, contributing significantly to the community's well-being.
6. Investing in Education-and-Self-Development: Recognizing that education is a lifelong pursuit, Karabassova may prioritize supporting faculty and students in their personal and professional learning endeavors, establishing programs that focus on learning, business, finance, careers, and leadership development.
7. Strengthening the University's Financial Backbone: By solidifying partnerships with local industries and the wider community, she may aim to boost the university's financial sustainability and secure long-term growth, ensuring the institution's continued relevance and impact in the region.
