Webster University US Leadership Visit Highlights Strategic Vision, Academic Growth in Uzbekistan

In a powerful demonstration of international academic collaboration, a senior delegation from Webster University’s global headquarters in the United States visited Uzbekistan from April 7 to 13, reaffirming the University’s commitment to its strategic development in the region.

The visit featured 22 high-impact meetings, six university partnership visits, and engagements across two major cities — Tashkent and Samarkand — underscoring Webster’s deepening regional presence.

The delegation included Chancellor Tim Keane, President Julian Z. Schuster, Director General of Global Campuses Ryan Guffey and Interim Director of Webster University in Tashkent Anthony Jarvis.

The visit highlighted Webster University in Tashkent’s rapid growth and its evolving role as a hub of American-style education in Central Asia. The leadership team engaged in strategic meetings with institutional and governmental partners, held three interactive student focus groups and participated in a range of dynamic sessions that reinforced the University’s long-term vision for Uzbekistan.

Deepening Academic Engagement

A central theme of the visit was academic development. Through open dialogue and collaborative workshops with faculty and staff, the delegation emphasized Webster Tashkent’s mission to deliver globally relevant, high-quality education tailored to the aspirations of Uzbekistan’s youth. These conversations served as a platform to align future academic initiatives with the country’s educational priorities.

In one particularly memorable moment, the delegation shared lunch with members of the Student Government Association. The candid conversation highlighted Webster’s commitment to student leadership, active engagement and a nurturing academic environment.

Building Diplomatic and Institutional Bridges

Beyond the campus, the delegation bolstered relationships with key external stakeholders. In Tashkent, they met with representatives from the U.S. Embassy and attended a business mixer hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce, where they engaged with more than 40 business leaders to discuss cross-sector collaboration and innovation.

Key policy discussions were also held with the Ministry of Higher Education and the Rector of the National University of Uzbekistan. These two pivotal government meetings signaled Webster’s dedication to aligning its offerings with national development goals and supporting Uzbekistan’s evolving education ecosystem.

Expanding Presence Across Regions

The delegation’s visit to Samarkand — an historic center of culture and education — included high-level meetings with leadership at Samarkand State Institute of Foreign Languages, State Medical University and the Institute of Economics and Service. These interactions opened doors for joint research, academic exchange programs and future collaborations, solidifying Webster’s role as a truly international institution embedded in local communities.

A guided cultural tour of Samarkand offered the delegation a firsthand experience of the city’s heritage and reinforced its potential as a future center for international education.

Investing in the Future

A defining moment of the visit was the leadership team’s tour of the new Webster Tashkent campus construction site — a bold symbol of the University’s growth trajectory. The new campus represents a significant investment in state-of-the-art facilities and a dynamic learning environment that will serve future generations of students.

A Shared Commitment to Excellence

Throughout the week-long agenda, one message resonated consistently: Webster University is advancing in Uzbekistan not just in size, but in purpose — driven by a vision for innovation, academic excellence and global impact.

“This visit reaffirmed our belief in the extraordinary potential of Webster University in Tashkent,” Chancellor Tim Keane said. “We are proud of the progress made so far and even more excited about what lies ahead.”

With the active involvement of its global leadership, Webster’s future in Uzbekistan is rooted in strategic action, shared values and a powerful commitment to transformative education.

About Webster University in Tashkent

Established in 2019 through the Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Webster University in Tashkent is an official campus of Webster University in St. Louis, Missouri. As the premier American university in Central Asia, Webster Tashkent is committed to ensuring high-quality learning that transforms students for global citizenship and individual excellence.