Penn State Welcomes Delegation from Satbayev University, Kazakhstan
Penn State alumnus promotes engagement with alma mater
By Vlad Likholetov
October 13, 2025
Leadership delegation discusses deeper engagement
Penn State University proudly hosted a distinguished delegation from Satbayev University, one of Kazakhstan’s premier technical institutions, from September 29 to October 3, 2025. The visit marked a significant milestone in the ongoing strategic partnership between the two universities, aimed at expanding academic collaboration, joint research initiatives, and faculty exchange programs. 18 Satbayev faculty members participated in Bolashak-funded research internships at Penn State between 2024 and 2025.
The delegation that included Penn State alum Samgat Yermekbayev (LL.M.'18), Member of the Board and First Vice-Rector for International Cooperation and Strategic Development, and Mr. Yerkebulan Kurymbay, Deputy Head of the International Cooperation Office, engaged in high-level meetings with Penn State leadership, including Executive Vice President and Provost Dr. Fotis Sotiropoulos, Vice Provost for Global Dr. Sabine Klahr, Dr. Andrea Tapia, Dean of the College of Information Sciences and Technology, Dr. Lee Kump, Dean of the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, and Dr. Donna Quadri-Felitti, Director of the School of Hospitality Management. Discussions focused on expanding collaborative research and academic programs, including dual-degree programs in cybersecurity, geology, petroleum engineering, and materials science.
The itinerary also included discussions with Penn State Global Partnerships, faculty and students from Kazakhstan, and a series of strategic planning sessions focused on exploring opportunities for closer collaboration.
Leadership delegation discusses deeper engagement
Penn State University proudly hosted a distinguished delegation from Satbayev University, one of Kazakhstan’s premier technical institutions, from September 29 to October 3, 2025. The visit marked a significant milestone in the ongoing strategic partnership between the two universities, aimed at expanding academic collaboration, joint research initiatives, and faculty exchange programs. 18 Satbayev faculty members participated in Bolashak-funded research internships at Penn State between 2024 and 2025.
The delegation that included Penn State alum Samgat Yermekbayev (LL.M.'18), Member of the Board and First Vice-Rector for International Cooperation and Strategic Development, and Mr. Yerkebulan Kurymbay, Deputy Head of the International Cooperation Office, engaged in high-level meetings with Penn State leadership, including Executive Vice President and Provost Dr. Fotis Sotiropoulos, Vice Provost for Global Dr. Sabine Klahr, Dr. Andrea Tapia, Dean of the College of Information Sciences and Technology, Dr. Lee Kump, Dean of the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, and Dr. Donna Quadri-Felitti, Director of the School of Hospitality Management. Discussions focused on expanding collaborative research and academic programs, including dual-degree programs in cybersecurity, geology, petroleum engineering, and materials science.
The itinerary also included discussions with Penn State Global Partnerships, faculty and students from Kazakhstan, and a series of strategic planning sessions focused on exploring opportunities for closer collaboration.
"Our evolving partnership with Satbayev University, one of Kazakhstan's top national technical universities, dates back to 2017, when the first Memorandum of Understanding was signed. The MOU was renewed in 2024 to reaffirm the shared commitment to a mutually beneficial, long-term relationship. Our institutional linkage builds on a solid foundation of faculty connections, alumni network, a history of successful grant-making, and strong leadership support."
Vlad Likholetov, Associate Director for Partnership Agreements and Eurasia Partnerships
