"Goodbye, University"

With the same words, the chairman of the board – Rector Yerlan Shulanov said goodbye to Kozybayev University, where he worked for 2.5 years. On his decision, Yerlan Nurlybekovich has said at the extended meeting of the academic council with the participation of Kuanysh Yergaliyev, vice minister of Science and higher education of the Republic of Kazakhstan. He presented the rector with an award "for merits in the development of Science" and noted that last year our regional university has been able to become a leader in the country.

In an online address, the Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Sayasat Nurbek, said that the task of the Ministry now is to ensure the continuity of the correct course laid down by Yerlan Nurlybekovich. "The creation of the country's first branch of an American university will be inextricably linked with your university, your name. Now we need to further develop and build up our potential in this direction. There will be full support from the ministry," the minister concluded.

During the period of work, Yerlan Shulanov and his team were the first in the country to implement a large-scale project to launch two-degree programs together with the University of Arizona. This means that upon graduation, graduates will receive two diplomas at once and will be able to study not only with us, but also in the USA. A new educational and laboratory building has also been completed, certification centers for students have been opened, a specialized master's degree and an MBA program with AlmaU University, the practice of students has been revised, close cooperation with employers has been established, etc.

Yerlan Shulanov made a touching speech and addressed the team with great gratitude: "This is a university with very rich traditions. There is a unique and deep academic culture here. Once I came here full of ideas and energy. I had a big dream – to do something important for people. And this dream was my internal power source. Over the years, I've given my all. We didn't manage to implement everything. A lot of tasks are still in the process. I hope they will be achieved. I have fulfilled my duty as a leader honestly. However, time will give a better assessment of this work and people will give it after. The strength of the collective lies in its unity. I would like to say sincere words of gratitude to all colleagues. You have great potential and a great future!"