KIMEP University has held an official ceremony to honor its faculty and staff with departmental awards from the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The event was timed to the University’s 30th anniversary and became a symbolic moment of recognition for those who have shaped KIMEP’s academic reputation over three decades, DKNews.kz reports.
Faculty members, administrative staff, and the University’s leadership gathered to celebrate the people whose daily work stands behind KIMEP’s achievements in education, research, and institutional development. During the ceremony, awardees received ministerial pins and Certificates of Honor for their contributions to scientific research, academic programs, infrastructure development, and the strengthening of internal university processes.
Minister: KIMEP is a pillar of national higher education
In a congratulatory address, Sayasat Nurbek, Minister of Higher Education and Science of Kazakhstan, emphasized KIMEP’s unique role in the country’s higher education system and its strong position in research and innovation.
“Today, KIMEP is one of the key pillars of the national higher education system. Over more than three decades, the University has played a transformative role in shaping the modern educational landscape of the country and has become a benchmark of quality in the region,” the Minister noted.
Special attention was given to the University’s research achievements and to the national and international recognition of its scholars.
International recognition of KIMEP researchers
Among previously awarded scholars are Dr. Chan Young Bang, who received the ministerial medal “For Merits in the Development of Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan”, as well as several KIMEP professors who became laureates of the national award “Best Researcher of the Republic of Kazakhstan” and holders of the title “Distinguished Professor of the Republic of Kazakhstan”.
Another notable example is Dr. Nurlan Orazalin, Professor of Accounting and Finance and a Bolashak program alumnus, who was included in the World’s Top 2% Scientists ranking — a strong indicator of KIMEP’s global academic standing.
Faculty honored at the 30th anniversary ceremony
During the current ceremony, nine faculty members received ministerial awards for their contributions to science and language development.
“For Merits in the Development of Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan”
- Joseph Luke, Associate Professor, School of Law
- Sergey Sayapin, Professor, School of Law
- Mira Nurmakhanova, Professor of Finance, Bang College of Business
- Elmira Bogoviyeva, Associate Professor of Marketing, Bang College of Business
- Zhanat Syzdykov, Assistant Professor of Accounting, Bang College of Business
- Juldyz Smagulova, Dean, College of Human Sciences and Education
- Maganat Shegebayev, Associate Professor, College of Human Sciences and Education
- Gulnara Dadabayeva, Professor of Political Science, College of Social Sciences
“For Contribution to the Development of the State Language”
- Nuraisha Bekeyeva, Assistant Professor, College of Human Sciences and Education
Administrative staff: the invisible backbone of the university
The Ministry also highlighted the contribution of KIMEP’s administrative staff, whose work ensures the stability of academic life, digital transformation, and daily operations.
“Behind these achievements stands a strong institutional culture, developed over decades, as well as the high professionalism and dedication of all university staff. Today, the Ministry honors eighteen staff members for exceptional contribution and diligent service,” the congratulatory message stated.
Ministerial awards for contribution to university development and administrative support
- Uvassilya Samuratova, Director, Office of the Registrar
- Bakytgul Tundikbayeva, Director, Executive Education Center
Certificates of Honor from the Ministry of Science and Higher Education
- Serikkul Serimova, Senior Accountant
- Mikhail Kalinogorsky, Technical Director, CISC
- Marhaba Ibraimova, Head of Archive
- Zukhra Aliyeva, Director, Office of VP for Academic Affairs
- Rano Pakhirdinova, Deputy Director, Office of the Registrar
- Raushan Kanayeva, Director, Corporate Development Department
- Elmira Kabiyeva, Director, Career Center
- Dinara Sagindykova, Alumni Relations Manager
- Yergazy Orazaliyev, Director, Sports Center
- Assel Tokina, Director, Housing Department
- Azhar Tastankyzy, Director, Procurement Department
- Yuliya Alimkulova, Head, Work and Visa Permits Department
- Aigerim Kainazarova, Director, HR Department
- Malik Sasykov, Foreman, Landscaping Department
- Talgat Smagulov, Foreman, Engineering Department
More than individual awards
The ceremony was opened by Dr. Damien Riviez, Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Dr. Christopher Bridges, Dean of Student Affairs. They stressed that the Ministry’s awards recognize not only individual excellence, but also the long-term, collective effort of the entire KIMEP University community.
The event concluded with congratulations to all awardees and expressions of gratitude to the Ministry of Science and Higher Education for its high assessment of KIMEP University’s contribution to the development of Kazakhstan’s national higher education system.
