Webster University Partners with National University of Uzbekistan to Expand Academic Programs in Tashkent

Webster University and the National University of Uzbekistan (NUU) signed a memorandum of understanding Wednesday to explore potential partnerships, expand existing academic programs and create new ones in the Tashkent region. The signing was held during a ceremony on Webster’s main campus in St. Louis.

This agreement is just the latest in a series of partnerships with various entities throughout Uzbekistan to increase the number of STEM-related courses offered to students in that region.

“This journey started in 2012 when (Vice President of Academic Affairs) Nancy Hellerud and (George Herbert Walker School of Business & Technology Professor) Brad Scott visited Uzbekistan for a scientific conference. There, they met people who expressed interest in bringing an American University to Uzbekistan. That set the foundation for today,” President Julian Z. Schuster told a packed room of visitors, students, and Webster faculty and staff during the signing ceremony. “Through the vision of (NUU) Rector Inom Madjidov, Webster has a campus in Tashkent, one that is our largest international campus and the second largest campus out of all of Webster’s locations. And today’s event is not just about signing agreements, but it’s about continuing to explore and identify new opportunities to expand educational opportunities for students at Webster and the community in Uzbekistan.”

Madjidov expounded on Schuster’s comments, saying that talks had started in 2011, but it wasn’t until 2017 when he met Schuster and Chancellor Elizabeth (Beth) J. Stroble in New York, that a plan was put in motion to open a Webster campus in Tashkent. 

“This partnership was based on the great educational programs and the capacity of Webster to offer education internationally,” Madjidov said. “Since opening, it has attracted many students, including my own children, and it is held in high regard in the community. Recently, my son told me that a friend of his was thinking of going to another university, and my son explained to him that when you get an American degree, it opens doors for you around the world.” 

He said the agreement signed this month will continue the partnership for many years to come and will be beneficial to both Webster and NUU.

Stroble agreed. “It’s a wonderful moment to reflect on the importance of friendship and long-standing relationships. The rector spoke eloquently about opening doors, and many people at both Webster and Uzbekistan helped made this happen, but it would be hard to overstate the role of the Rector,” Stroble said. “He was instrumental because he was a visionary and knew how to get things done. He trusted us and we stepped up to the challenge. May this be only one of many more steps to come.”

After the agreement was signed, Schuster presented Madjidov with Webster’s “Excellence in Global Leadership” award. Madjidov reciprocated by presenting Schuster with an official proclamation making him an honorary faculty member at NUU, including official academic regalia from that institution. 

Earlier this year, Webster University signed an agreement with the Republic of Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Health to explore ways the two institutions can bolster health education at Webster’s Tashkent campus, located in the capitol of Uzbekistan. That was followed by a second visit by officials from the Ministry of Health along with administrators from health clinics and hospitals in Uzbekistan to discuss what programs are most needed in the region. 

In September, Stroble, Schuster and a delegation of Webster faculty visited Uzbekistan to participate in the week-long “Uzbekistan-USA Healthcare Week: A celebration of International Collaboration and Achievement” and to also meet with medical professionals and educational representatives to advance those partnerships. 

Webster’s campus in Tashkent opened with in 2018 with a masters in Teaching English as a Second Language, and expanded in 2019 with several additional undergraduate and graduate programs. Today, the campus has 4,200 students from 25 countries.