Photo 24.kg. Sergey Volkov, Rector of KRSU
Sergey Volkov, the rector of KRSU, spoke in an interview with 24.kg about key changes at the university, interaction with businesses, support for young teachers, and plans for developing a new campus.
— Last time we discussed the development of the university, and now it is clear that many ideas have already been realized. What achievements of the year do you consider the most significant?
— I am glad that you noticed the changes. Although they may not be immediately obvious, our main achievement is that we have learned to work as a team. This is especially important.
Now ideas can come from students — how they envision the space or process. Then specialists develop estimates, procurements are conducted, and control services monitor the work of contractors. As a result, we create not just "painted walls," but thoughtful and functional spaces.
— We are in a multifunctional center…
— Yes, this is just the beginning. Ahead of us are more modern and digital spaces, including Russian and Kyrgyz educational centers with an interactive museum. This will be an impressive project: an interactive floor, walls, and ceiling that create an atmosphere of presence in another era. This format of the museum is appealing to young people.
At the moment, we have only utilized 20% of the infrastructure, and these are the most challenging 20%: engineering networks, heating, electricity and water supply, roofs, windows, cooling systems. Without their modernization, any cosmetic repairs will be useless. However, we have learned to work at a given pace and can now increase our speed.
— This year was important for KRSU not only in terms of infrastructure?
— Absolutely. We have also implemented new educational programs and established partnerships with businesses and leading universities. This opens up opportunities for students for paid internships and studying abroad.
Currently, three of our students are studying in China. We recently signed an agreement with the state corporation "Rostec" and Bauman Moscow State Technical University, which will allow 21 students to study in the master's program at this university. The tuition fee starts from 470,000 rubles per year, after which they will return and work for three years at KRSU.
— How difficult is it to find common ground with businesses?
— We do not ask businesses for money. This is our principle. We offer them to participate in shaping educational programs and training personnel for their specific needs. Thus, it becomes a mutually beneficial collaboration.
We have moved away from formal agreements. Now these are roadmaps with clear results for which we are responsible.
Sergey Volkov, Rector of KRSU
— You mentioned support for young teachers. What measures have already been implemented?
— Our support program covers various aspects. We are working on a mechanism to assist with the down payment for mortgages, possibly in the form of interest-free installments from the university. Lawyers are currently looking for the best solution.
I hope that next year we will have a kindergarten. This is critically important: when employees know that their children are nearby, it is easier to make a decision to work at the university.
Sergey Volkov, Rector of KRSU
KRSU currently has about 40 vacancies for teaching staff and the same number in other areas. In total, we employ 1,520 staff members, and we continue to grow. The salary for professors starts from 60,000 soms, for associate professors — from 50,000. There are also social programs in place: support for pensioners, compensation for medications in difficult situations, and wellness vouchers.
— How is the new campus project progressing?
— We are grateful to the presidents of Kyrgyzstan and Russia for signing the intergovernmental agreement, which is currently undergoing ratification. The land plot registration is at the final stage.
We have already clearly defined which laboratories and facilities will be in the campus, and with which companies we will work. We plan to start construction at the end of 2026 — this is a complex but deliberate task. The main technical customer will be the PPK "Unified Customer," which has extensive experience in constructing world-class campuses.
Our task is to fill the campus with meaning: to create dormitories, laboratories, and spaces for student interaction. An active student life already confirms this — for example, the "Battle of the Faculties," which this year gathered a full hall and created an incredible atmosphere.
— What are the plans for 2026?
— We want 50% of the infrastructure to meet regulatory requirements, to have at least 15 educational programs in demand, and to increase scientific income and competition among applicants.
We aim to attract teachers not only from the Chui region but also from other regions and countries. Today we are competitive and can offer decent conditions. The main thing is to maintain team spirit and horizontal communication, which constitutes 80% of our success.
For the university, it is important not only to update buildings and launch new projects but also to create a sustainable development system focused on students, teachers, and the real needs of the economy.
Sergey Volkov, Rector of KRSU
If we maintain teamwork, consistency of actions, and trust within the team, KRSU has every chance to become not only a leading university in the country but also a full-fledged educational and scientific center of regional significance.
