Ricky Salazar receives Manash Kozybayev Scholar Medal of Honor in Kazakhstan
During a recent delegation visit to North Kazakhstan University (NKU), Ricky Salazar, senior director for Central and South Asia affairs at Arizona International, received the Manash Kozybayev Scholar Medal of Honor. This distinction, awarded by NKU’s Academic Council and presented by Rector Yerbol Issakayev, is the university’s highest academic honor. Remarkably, it is the first time this medal has been awarded to a non-resident and international partner.
“Ricky’s recognition with the Manash Kozybayev Scholar Medal of Honor is richly deserved,” said Dr. Jenny Lee, vice president for Arizona International and dean of International Education. “His leadership, perseverance, and genuine care for students and colleagues have helped develop a thriving academic partnership that benefits both our institutions and the communities they serve.”
The University of Arizona delegation traveled to Kazakhstan to participate in a welcome ceremony for the fourth cohort of dual degree students at NKU. U of A representatives from the College of Information Science, the College of Agriculture, Life & Environmental Sciences, and the College of Education welcomed more than 150 new students to three dual degree programs: Data Science, Applied Biotechnology, and Special Education: Inclusive Education, bringing the total to about 400 students enrolled in dual degree programs at NKU.
Ricky Salazar, senior director for Central and South Asia affairs at Arizona International, received the Manash Kozybayev Scholar Medal of Honor, presented by Rector Yerbol Issakayev.
In addition to the ceremony, the delegation implemented an ambitious program across Kazakhstan that combined student recruitment, teaching, and research engagement. Team members visited multiple high schools and lyceums to meet students and families and promote opportunities through the NKU–U of A partnership.
Faculty delivered in-person lectures in fields such as biotechnology, information science, and inclusive education, and led research seminars and workshops with NKU faculty and graduate students. The delegation also attended NKU’s extended Academic Council meeting to discuss the university's strategy and progress, further underscoring the depth of institutional collaboration.
Reflecting on the award, Salazar emphasized that while he was the one on stage, the honor represents the dedication of the many individuals who have sustained and grown the U of A–NKU partnership over the years.
“This medal is deeply meaningful because it represents the passion and tenacity it took to launch our international partnership and see it flourish over the years. It was an honor to receive this award alongside my colleagues from the University of Arizona and our partners at NKU,” said Salazar. “Although I was the one on stage, this recognition belongs equally to the many colleagues who pour their heart and soul into making this collaboration a success—from our academic departments to the entire Arizona International team. I am also sincerely grateful to the Academic Council of NKU and Rector Yerbol Issakayev for bestowing this honor upon me.”
The U of A–NKU collaboration continues to grow in scope and ambition. Leaders from both institutions are exploring up to ten additional dual degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels, including potential offerings in business, health and medicine, and engineering, while deepening joint research that responds to local needs in North Kazakhstan, such as sustainability, water resources, agriculture, artificial intelligence, and environmental issues.