U of A welcomes distinguished delegation from Kazakhstan

May 5, 2025
Rikki Mioduski, Arizona International
A group of fourteen individuals, including men and women, pose together in a formal setting in front of a pair of white double doors flanked by the U.S. and Arizona state flags. Most individuals are dressed in business attire, suggesting a diplomatic or professional delegation. In the foreground, a framed artwork rests on a wooden table, indicating a ceremonial exchange or gift presentation. The room is well-lit and adorned with framed certificates and plaques, reinforcing the official and celebratory natur

In April, the University of Arizona hosted a distinguished delegation from North Kazakhstan University, also known as Kozybayev University, and the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Led by Minister Sayasat Nurbek and Chairman of the Executive Board Rector Yerbol Issakayev, the visit marked an important milestone in the ongoing academic partnership between the institutions.

The week-long program, organized by Arizona International under the leadership of Vice President for Arizona International and Dean of International Education Dr. Jenny Lee and led by Senior Director of Central and South Asia Affairs Ricky Salazar and Program Manager for South and Southeast Asia Amanda Agate-Delco, featured a busy schedule of academic meetings, research collaborations, cultural exchanges, and campus tours designed to deepen ties and expand future opportunities.

“Our meaningful partnership with Kozybayev University exemplifies how global collaboration can address shared challenges and create new opportunities for students and researchers alike,” said Dr. Jenny Lee. “This visit marked both a celebration of our shared achievements and the beginning of an even more ambitious chapter of collaboration.”

The visit commenced with a signing ceremony in Old Main. Interim Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Ron Marx and Rector Issakayev celebrated a formal commitment to exploring new dual degree programs between the University of Arizona and Kozybayev University.

Throughout the week, delegates engaged in strategic discussions with faculty and leadership across multiple colleges. Meetings with the Eller College of Management and the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health focused on establishing joint degree programs in business and health sciences. Additional collaborations were explored with the College of Education, the College of Information Science, the College of Agriculture, Life and Environmental Sciences (CALES), and the College of Engineering. Discussions also highlighted research initiatives to advance agricultural innovation, high-performance plastics through sulfur polymerization, and biodiversity genomics through the Arizona Genomics Institute.

Two men in formal attire stand side by side smiling, with one of them holding a framed artwork featuring two golden ibexes. The man on the right wears a University of Arizona lapel pin on his navy blazer. Behind them, the U.S. flag and the Arizona state flag are visible, indicating a formal or diplomatic event. The setting appears to be an indoor ceremony or meeting with cultural or institutional significance.

Chairman of the Executive Board Rector Yerbol Issakayev (left) and University of Arizona President Suresh Garimella.

The visit also featured a meeting between President Suresh Garimella and the Kozybayev delegation, where discussions centered on expanding research and academic collaboration in mutual national and global relevance, such as agriculture, water scarcity, mining, artificial intelligence, and other emerging industries. As Kazakhstan rapidly emerges as a hub for international education, the Kozybayev –U of A partnership stands out as a key catalyst for growth and innovation. This collaboration reflects the shared priorities of both institutions and exemplifies the kind of impactful global partnerships that define the University of Arizona’s international strategy.

In addition to strategic meetings, the delegation experienced Tucson's active academic community and culture. Tours of the Bio5 Institute, the Campus Agricultural Center, the Water & Energy Sustainable Technology (WEST) Center, food and beverage fermentation labs, and biotechnology labs showcased the university’s commitment to cutting-edge research and sustainability. Delegates also enjoyed attending a University of Arizona softball game and the Tucson International Mariachi Conference’s Espectacular Concert, celebrating the unique cultural offerings of the region.

Since the establishment of the partnership in Fall 2022, Kozybayev University and the University of Arizona have built a strong foundation rooted in shared academic goals and a spirit of global collaboration. This visit reaffirmed a mutual commitment to expanding opportunities for faculty, students, and researchers alike.