Позитивные изменения. Том 3, № 3 (2023). Positive changes. Volume 3, Issue 3 (2023)

THE THREE MISSIONS OF KURSK STATE UNIVERSITY

KSU holds the title of being the oldest higher education institution in the Kursk Region, poised to celebrate its 90th anniversary in 2024. More than 10,000 students are currently enrolled in various Specialist’s, Bachelor’s, and Master’s degree programs at the University. Additionally, 167 students are part of post-graduate programs that train research and teaching personnel, and 723 individuals are engaged in the secondary vocational education programs.[118] The University offers an impressive array of 309 core and 264 supplementary educational programs across 16 faculties and the College of Commerce, Technology and Service. These academic pursuits are guided by 420 highly committed teachers, of which over 80 % hold doctoral or PhD degrees.[119]

The university stands tall in Russia’s academic landscape, holding its position among the top 100 institutions according to the RAEX-100 Rankings.[120] This year’s assessment by RAEX-Analytica ranks KSU as number 38 in graduate employability. Similarly, M-Rate media activity rating places KSU within the top 100 institutions in Russia.[121] Adding to this accomplishment, in June 2023 KSU’s official VK group ranked among the top 30 in said rating.

Traditionally, the University used to have two primary missions — teaching and research. Simultaneously, Kursk State University plays a significant role in regional development. Its close ties with the regional community enhance the capacity to align education with modern realities, improve quality of education, and emphasize its practical applications. The university’s third mission serves as a conduit for positive changes within the regional community, achieved through active participation in the socio-economic life of the region, the development of human capital, and projects of regional relevance. Within this mission lies the pursuit of sustainable development goals and the initiation of technological innovations.[122] The integration of academia and business, continuous education, and community involvement find expression within the document titled “Strategic Development Program for the Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education “Kursk State University” for 2021–2030.”[123]