Young rector of Kazakhstan, tracing his path in educational governance
A Fresh Take on Leading the Aktobe Regional University
Meet the 34-year-old trailblazer, Laura Karabassova, shattering glass ceilings as the youngest rector in Kazakhstan, leading the Aktobe Regional University. This charismatic leader brings a fresh perspective to higher education, focusing on the kind of leadership today's students need.
In an interview with The Astana Times, Karabassova shared insights into what makes a great university leader. "True leadership is not about titles but trust, credibility, and the ability to connect with others. It's an earned status, not a given one," she declared.
Established in 1935, the Aktobe Regional University, named after Kudaibergen Zhubanov, boasts over 14,000 students enrolled in bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs. Karabassova proudly calls this university her alma mater, expressing her gratitude for the quality education she received and the privilege to give back to her hometown.
Her vision for the university is to transform it into a globally connected, research-intensive institution, with a strong academic foundation. While the university is already a vital center for education and research, she acknowledges that there's always room for growth.
To advance academic and research excellence, Karabassova aims to:- Enhance teaching and learning quality- Make the curriculum more relevant- Strengthen ties with employers and the local community- Attract industry leaders as teachers
Priorities also include internationalization, building a holistic learning environment, and expanding access to education. To support international students, she's shifting several academic programs to English-medium instruction, attracting students from countries like India, Pakistan, Ghana, and China.
Another key focus is faculty development, with programs like Bolashak international scholarship now playing a more active role. Despite previous limitations due to the program's high standards and English language requirements, efforts have been made to encourage applications through meetings, support sessions, and awareness-raising activities.
For Laura, the key to investing in English proficiency is understanding it as the "lingua franca of global academia."
While leading the university's academic policy overhaul was a challenging experience, it taught her that intangible shifts in academic culture and mindset are crucial to fostering a learning environment rooted in honesty, rigor, and long-term excellence.
One of Karabassova's key contributions has been to create a "sustainable, institution-wide system for capacity development." For her, leadership isn't about titles; it's about service, vision, and empowering others.
The Aktobe Regional University has partnered with the prestigious Heriot-Watt University, based in the UK, to establish a campus. This collaboration has led to improvements across every aspect of the student journey, from recruitment, marketing, and admissions to examination procedures - all aligning with international standards. The university is now enrolling its third cohort, with students excelling despite starting with basic English skills.
Karabassova emphasizes the importance of maintaining an inclusive and equitable approach to this partnership, ensuring the project doesn't become elitist. It admits students from rural areas and disadvantaged backgrounds, providing access to quality higher education and opening new pathways for growth in the region.
Finally, Laura breaks away from the legacy of the Soviet-era divide between teaching and research, aiming to build a more integrated academic model. By emphasizing the real-world application of research, she's fostering an environment where knowledge translates into tangible impact for society.
For Karabassova, the challenge of solving problems and pushing boundaries in education keeps her energized. With her dedicated team, shared vision, and strong government support, they are building something meaningful and enduring. The university is no longer a peripheral institution; it is positioning itself to address national-level challenges and priorities.
In her leadership role at Aktobe Regional University, Laura Karabassova emphasizes the importance of personal growth and education-and-self-development, believing that true leadership is not about titles but about fostering trust, credibility, and connections. She strives to enhance the learning environment within the university by aiming to strengthen teaching and learning quality, make the curriculum more relevant, and attract industry leaders as teachers, all in an effort to support personal growth and foster a holistic learning environment.
