Education Trailblazer at Kazakhstan's Youngest University Position Discloses His Academic Leadership Journey

Rewritten Article:

Meet 34-year-old Laura Karabassova, the whirlwind leading the charge at Aktobe Regional University and the youngest rector in her nation. More than just a title, she's shaking up higher education with a fresh vision on what tomorrow's leaders might need. In a candid chat with The Astana Times, she spills on the necessities of being a university bigwig.

"Becoming a rector has been one of the most profound leadership transformations in my life. I discovered that possessing a formal title doesn't cut it in driving meaningful change," confessed Karabassova, who's donned the robe since 2021.

"The crux of true leadership lies in trust, credibility, and the ability to really connect with others, making them see you as a leader," she emphasized.

The Aktobe Regional University, named after Kudaibergen Zhubanov, was established way back in 1935. Today, it boasts over 14,000 students enrolled in undergrad, postgrad, and doctoral programs, with Karabassova herself among its alumni.

"What keeps me pushing is a fiery sense of purpose fueling my work. I've got the honor to serve as rector at my very university where I earned my degree—all in my hometown. To give back to my nation and community for the education quality I once enjoyed is simply a privilege," Karabassova affirmed.

With Karabassova at the helm, she and her team aim to turn the university into an "internationally networked, research-focused university with a strong academic foundation." While it's already a significant educational hub and research center in the area, she's all about pushing the envelope for improvement.

Karabassova—a Cambridge University alumna—recognizes the key priorities for elevating her university: "Quality education, rigorous research, internationalization, a student-centered environment, and expanding access to education."

To boost internationalization and entice students worldwide, Karabassova plans to shift several of her academic programs into English-medium instruction. Audiences hailing from diverse countries like India, Pakistan, Ghana, and China graced its halls during the last academic year, creating a lively, multicultural atmosphere, she disclosed.

Striving to bring Bolashak, the international scholarship program, into the spotlight, she and her team encourage more faculty to apply and work toward improving their English skills, recognizing it as the language of choice in the global academia.

Looking back on her career, Karabassova zeroed in on a pivotal moment where she felt the most pressure—heading the overhaul of the university's academic policies and practices.

"Revamping the university's academic system called for handling resistance, aligning various stakeholders, and making tough decisions that wouldn't yield immediate results. Since the wins were invisible, it required persistence and a strong will to create an environment steeped in honesty, diligence, and long-term excellence," Karabassova reckoned.

Armed with the sustainable system for faculty development as her key contribution, she sees leadership as a delicate balance: "Adapting to times of uncertainty and embracing every hurdle as an opportunity to grow, both personally and for those around me."

Bonus Fact: Laura Karabassova considers relationships as the foundation of effective leadership. Building trust and fostering connections is crucial for her in guiding the university.

Shining the academic spotlight on Aktobe Regional University, Karabassova views it moving beyond its traditional boundaries and becoming an influential player addressing national-level challenges and priorities.

Despite being the youngest rector in her nation, Laura Karabassova, the 34-year-old leader of Aktobe Regional University, is spearheading strengthening the university's academic foundation and enhancing its international network.
Recognizing the need for quality education, rigorous research, and internationalization, Karabassova is spearheading a shift towards English-medium instruction in several academic programs to attract students globally.
In the realm of health-and-wellness and women's health, Karabassova aspires to prioritize research in these areas to ensure the university maintains a strong academic focus on these crucial areas.
To boost the credibility of the university, Karabassova and her team are encouraging professors to apply for the Bolashak international scholarship program and improve their English skills to embrace global academia.
In the realm of finance and business, Karabassova envisions Aktobe Regional University as a leader in education and self-development, shaping tomorrow's leaders in these crucial areas.
Believing in the importance of relationships for effective leadership, Karabassova emphasizes trust and strong connections as the foundation for guiding the university and achieving long-term excellence.