Dr. Aida Sagintayeva, Vice Provost for Academic Planning and Budget and Dean of the Graduate School of Education at Nazarbayev University, has been elected a Principal Fellow by the UK-based organization Advance HE, which promotes excellence in higher education worldwide. Advance HE awards four levels of recognition: Associate Fellow (AFHEA), Fellow (FHEA), Senior Fellow (SFHEA), and Principal Fellow (PFHEA)—the highest level, which Dr. Sagintaeva has now attained.
“Your outstanding work as Vice Provost and Dean of the Graduate School of Education at NU makes this prestigious recognition a well-deserved acknowledgment of your exceptional leadership, distinguished service, and significant contributions to the development and modernization of higher education both nationally and internationally,” wrote Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan Sayasat Nurbek in his congratulatory letter.
Under UK standards, a Principal Fellow holds a senior leadership position, shapes teaching and learning strategy at the university or system-wide level, implements reforms, leads major initiatives in educational quality, and develops higher education policy. Dr. Sagintayeva’s recognition of professional leadership at the international level also enhances the credibility and reputation of Nazarbayev University. This status demonstrates that NU is home to world-class leaders in teaching and educational management—an important factor for the university’s reputation, partnerships, and international projects.
“I am sincerely delighted for Aida and for NU on this achievement. Aida’s contributions to higher education are widely recognized at national and regional levels. This award affirms her high professional standing and substantial impact,” emphasized NU President Professor Waqar Ahmad.
Notably, the Graduate School of Education at NU, led by Dr. Sagintayeva, is ranked among the top 200 in the prestigious Times Higher Education rankings. The School’s position surpasses that of several traditional educational leaders, including Sorbonne University (France), Newcastle University (UK), and The George Washington University (USA).
