On November 20, 2024, representatives from the West Kazakhstan Innovative and Technological University met with the Assistant Provost for the Center for Global Engagement at Boise State University, Dr. Gonzalo Bruce.

West Kazakhstan Innovative and Technological University was represented by: Shakeshev Bekbulat Temerzhanovich, the University rector, Candidate of Technical Sciences, associate professor; Mashanova Samal Amangeldievna, first vice-rector and vice-rector for academic and methodological affairs, Candidate of Economic Sciences, associate professor; Zhubantaev Izimgali Nurymovich, vice-rector for research and International relations, Candidate of Agricultural Sciences, associate professor; Tasmagambetov Asset Sembaevich, Director of the Institute of Education and Management, Doctor of Historical Sciences, professor; and Urazova Bakit Adilgereyevna, deputy Head of the Department of Research and International relations, Master of Economic Sciences, senior lecturer. Organizational support and interpreting were provided by the faculty of the Department of Foreign Languages and Translation Studies: Tikhonyuk Ekaterina Vasilyevna, Ph.D., associate professor, and Bakhitzhanova Aigul Bauirzhanovna, Master of Pedagogical Sciences, senior instructor.

The opening remarks from the West Kazakhstan Innovative and Technological University were delivered by Shakeshev Bekbulat Temerzhanovich and Mashanova Samal Amangeldiyevna, who described the bachelor’s and master’s degree programs offered at WKITU and the University’s strategic development priorities. In turn, Dr. Gonzalo Bruce shared information about the areas of training of students and the main areas of research activities of BSU scientists. Next, the participants discussed the most promising areas for future collaboration. The meeting concluded with an agreement to develop a plan for academic mobility for students and faculty across the two universities, as well as to explore potential avenues for research collaboration.