A business trip to the University of Missouri

The Head of the Scientific Department of Jalal-Abad State University named after B. Osmonov, Candidate of Economic Sciences and Acting Associate Professor A.M. Zhoroeva, was on a business trip from September 15 to October 3, 2025, to the University of Missouri (University of Missouri, Columbia), located in Columbia, USA.
The visit was organized within the framework of the academic mobility and professional development program.
During the visit, A.M. Zhoroeva delivered a lecture for second-year students of the Faculty of Economics at the University of Missouri on the topic “Green Economy and Sustainable Development of the Private Sector in Kyrgyzstan.”
The purpose of the lecture was to familiarize students with the concept of green economy development in Kyrgyzstan, the principles of sustainable development, and the scientific foundations of environmental reforms.
This business trip was organized based on the cooperation agreement between Jalal-Abad State University and the University of Missouri and aimed to study international experience in higher education, strengthen scientific collaboration, and enhance the professional competencies of the academic staff.
Main Goals and Outcomes of the Visit:
1. Development of a Five-Year Plan for International Cooperation.
To strengthen the long-term partnership between Jalal-Abad State University and the University of Missouri, a Five-Year Plan for International Cooperation for 2025–2030 was developed.
The plan includes areas such as academic mobility, joint scientific projects, the development of double-degree programs, and professional development of teaching staff.
2. Familiarization with the Activities of the Central Asian Research Center.
As part of the visit, meetings were held with representatives of the Center for Asian Studies and the International Institute of Missouri.
This provided valuable insights into the development of scientific research on Central Asia and opportunities for expanding academic collaboration.
3. Exchange of Experience with International Scholars and University Leaders.
During the visit, meetings were held with the following representatives of the University of Missouri:
Mary Stegmaier — Vice Provost for International Programs, Director of the International Center, and Professor at the Truman School of Public Affairs;
Paulina Browder — Director for Study Abroad and International Partnerships;
Vairam Arunachalam — Associate Dean for Partnerships and Engagement, Professor at the School of Accountancy;
Sang Kim — Director of the Center for Asian Studies and the International Institute of Missouri;
David Curry — Senior Advisor for International Affairs;
Saikal Ibraimova — Director for International Relations at Osh State University (Kyrgyzstan), Fulbright Program Fellow.
The meetings focused on strengthening institutional cooperation between the universities, implementing joint research projects, and developing academic exchange programs.
Conclusion:
The visit proved to be highly productive and successful.
It contributed to strengthening the international standing of Jalal-Abad State University, expanding academic and scientific cooperation, and deepening integration in the field of higher education in the Central Asian region.
As a result of the visit, the strategic partnership between Jalal-Abad State University and the University of Missouri reached a new level, opening up opportunities for the implementation of joint educational programs and international research projects in the future.