History of university

Ashir Zhanaliyevich Burkitbayev was appointed as the first director of KazMMI, he graduated from Ural-Kazakhstan Industrial Academy with honors. Ashir Zhanaliyevich headed the first engineering and technical institute in the history of Kazakhstan, practically created from scratch, was engaged in very laborious work - the formation of the teaching staff. To solve the given problem, he had to travel a lot to large industrial regions of the Union, central universities, inviting major scientists and teachers. He managed to solve that difficult problem. Professors A.F.Voitsekhovsky, V.A.Glazkovsky, N.K.Skakovsky, E.D.Shlygin, I.I.Bok, A.A.Yermekov, P.M.Koshulko, A.S.Ponomorev, G.C.Medoyev, E.A.Zabotina and others arrived at the Institute for teaching. Since the beginning of the academic year, there were 145 students. At that time, only one geological exploration faculty functioned at the Institute, with three courses in two specialties: exploration of ore and oil fields and engineering hydrogeology. In 1935-1936, two more specialties were opened at the Institute: exploitation of deposits and metallurgy of non-ferrous and heavy metals. In the first academic year, the Institute had 10 departments. The condition of the premises was poor, the living premises were extremely small. Out of the 17 frame-reed houses that were transferred to the Institute at the time of its organization, one was adapted for the academic building, the rest for laboratory classes. Among the teachers of those years, Alimkhan Abeuovich Yermekov, a graduate of the Tomsk Polytechnic Institute, was a colorful personality. The first Kazakh is a mathematician, professor, author of a textbook on higher mathematics in the Kazakh language. During those years, the first ensemble of dombrists was created. In 1938, A.Zh.Burkitbayev was a victim of Stalinist repression, in 1958 he was fully rehabilitated.

Serikbai Bazarbayevich Bazarbayev, a graduate of Moscow Non-Ferrous Metals and Gold Institute named after M.I. Kalinin, was appointed as Institute Director. S.B. Bazarbayev continued the work started by A.Zh. Burkitbayev to further improve the material and technical base as well as teaching staff creation. Students' industrial practice took place in quite favorable conditions. A lot of help for establishing the first engineering and technical educational institution was provided by Kazregional Committee and Council of Ministers of the Kazakh SSR. Industrial organizations and geological exploration and mining enterprises provided the institute with the necessary equipment, devices, and machines. The industrial practice of KazMMI students took place in quite favorable conditions, and it had a positive effect on the deepening of knowledge. With the purpose to attract teaching staff, the government introduced material incentives in the form of allowances to teachers’ official salaries in the amount of 30% (for remoteness from the center). For teachers engaged in research work, an additional payment of 50% of the basic monthly salary was established. Certain allowances were established to the salaries of teachers for knowledge of the Kazakh language and socio-economic (social) disciplines. In the pre-war years, a galaxy of young Kazakh teachers grew up at the Institute: M.H.Mamyrov, H.T.Bektassov, M.N.Azerbayev, R.M.Maskeyev, K.Suingaliyev and others.

Andrey Ivanovich Koktov was appointed as Institute director, he was a graduate of Moscow Mining Institute. In those years, a two-volume collection "Proceedings of Kazakhstan Mining and Metallurgical Institute" was published. In the first days of the Great Patriotic War, together with 23 teachers, 3 employees and 200 students, he joined the ranks of Motherland defenders. A.I.Kotov and the secretary of the Institute party organization Mussa Kurmangaliyev did not return from the front. Six students and graduates of KazMMI for their heroism and courage were awarded the high title of the Soviet Union Hero - Mussa Baymukhanovich Baymukhanov, Maxim Gerassimovich Gubanov, Nikolai Danilovich Markelov, Nikolai Ivanovich Yashchenko, Alexey Georgevich Toropkin, Vladimir Alekseyevich Zasyadko. The memory of the victims will be forever alive in the university team.

Israel Yakovlevich Brook, former director of Irkutsk Mining and Metallurgical Institute, a graduate of Leningrad Mining Institute, was appointed as Institute Director. In August and November 1941, 2 echelons arrived in Alma-Ata, bringing students, professors and teachers, as well as laboratory equipment of Moscow Non-Ferrous Metals and Gold Institute to KazMMI. There was a merger of two universities. Their stay at KazMMI played a great positive role both in improving the quality of teaching and in helping enterprises in Kazakhstan to solve a number of production tasks. In general, four graduations of the war years gave the industry 512 engineers trained in eight specialties. In 1942, Institute let out the first graduation of engineers-surveyors. The team, working under "Everything for the front, everything for victory!" slogan, completed projects on twenty-six contractual topics worth over one million rubles. During the Great Patriotic War, KazMMI made a feasible contribution to the victory over the enemy by conducting effective scientific research. 65 large-scale research and 6 survey topographic and surveying works were carried out at the departments, most of which were successfully implemented in production, as well as in the development of projects for new factories, workshops, mines. In general, KazMMI team’s contribution to the victory was appreciated by government. Based on the decree of the Presidium of Kazakh SSR Supreme Soviet dated February 15, 1945, "Honored Worker of Kazakh SSR Science and Technology" honorary title was awarded to Doctors of technical sciences, Professors H.K. Avetisyan, A.V. Brichkin, Doctor of geological and mineralogical sciences, Professor E.D. Shlygin.

The Institute was headed by the graduate of M.I. Kalinin Moscow Institute of Nonferrous Metals and Gold, miner Mikhail Karpovich Grishin. He occupied the post of Shymkent Mining College Director. He had an oratorical talent. As a mining engineer, he lectured on social sciences. At that time, at the institute, all students of the mining faculty wore paramilitary mining uniforms. It was decided to construct a new building in the courtyard of the old school building with access to Lenin Avenue (now Dostyk). Training the highly qualified engineers from those who had little command of the Russian language, who did not have basic skills of industrial production in those years was a very difficult, troublesome task. And in this the institute was greatly assisted by USSR Ministry of Higher Education. To reduce the dropout rate of Kazakh students, KazMMI was allowed to introduce, from September 1, 1949, the teaching of Russian language and literature in place of foreign languages at 1st and 2nd courses at the higher educational institution. The special attention of the country’s Government to the training of engineering and technical personnel from people of indigenous nationality is explained not only by the tasks of providing industry with a sufficient number of highly qualified local specialists, but also by the need for consistent and most complete implementation of national policy, which was the key to successfully solving problems in higher education.

Omirkhan Aimagambetovich Baikonurov, a graduate of KazMMI (1940), mining engineer, head of Mine department at Dzhezkazgan Copper Plant, deputy of Kazakh SSR Supreme Council, candidate of technical sciences, is appointed to the post of Institute Director. His aptitude for science and deep knowledge of production processes allowed him to professionally manage the university. As Institute Rector, he did an incredible amount in forming and developing the first engineering and technical university in our country. In 1953, the scientific and student society of KazMMI already united 34 circles, in which about 700 students were engaged. A geological museum was organized as well. For 10 years he personally delved into and determined the social and national composition of each accepted study group, i.e. 50-50 percent city and village ( Kazakh and Russian school). In addition to what has been said, all these years he actively invited experienced workers from industries to teach. O.A.Baikonurov showed all his efforts to improve the living conditions of students, built new dormitories, residential houses for teaching staff. In 1959-1960, Kazakh youth made up more than 40% of all the institute students. Based on the decree of USSR Council of Ministers dated July 8, 1960, # 2006, Kazakh Mining and Metallurgical Institute transformed into Kazakh Polytechnic Institute. It was from that time that the further development of the institute, both materially and technically, and the expansion of specialization, gained a wide scope.

Gavdislam Mukhamadiyevich Yessirkegenov, a graduate of Kazakh Mining and Metallurgical Institute in 1953, a participant in the Great Patriotic War, was approved as Rector of KazPTI. In 1961, Civil Engineering faculty was opened with the following specialties: "Industrial and civil construction", "Architecture", and in 1963 "Heat and gas supply and ventilation". Twice Hero of the Soviet Union Talgat Bigeldinov studied at Industrial and Civil Engineering faculty. In 1963, Institute received a dormitory for four hundred people, and in 1964 the building of the main academic campus was completely commissioned.

Ashim Kurambayevich Omarov, a graduate of Moscow Steel and Alloys Institute, was appointed as Institute Rector. A.K. Omarov turned out to be a major organizer, his high competence, wide scope in conducting and implementing the current topical tasks, as well as overcoming their prospects allowed the institute to take a worthy place among Union’s engineering and technical universities of that time. In the same years, on the northern shore of Kapchagai reservoir, on an area of 50 hectares, an educational and wellness complex was created not just for recreation of students and teaching staff, but also for conducting educational practices of geological exploration, petroleum and geophysical and other faculties. A 500-seat student hall and a military department building were constructed. At the Institute, the contingent of students had grown to 18 thousand, and graduate students to 300. In 1970, the 100th anniversary of the birth of V.I. Lenin, Kazakh Polytechnic Institute was named after him. The famous Dos-Mukassan ensemble was created, formation and creative development of which took place under the direct care of A.K. Omarov.

Abdygappar Ashimovich Ashimov, a graduate of Polytechnic University in 1960, Doctor of technical sciences, was appointed Rector of KazPTI. In 1975, Almaty Institute of Energy and Communications was organized on the basis of Energy Faculty at Kazakh Polytechnic Institute. In 1978, Rudnensky Industrial Institute was established on the basis of KazPTI branch. In 1979, Alma-Ata Institute of Architecture and Construction, now KazSACA, was established on the basis of KazPTI. Due to the accumulated experience analysis at V.I. Lenin Kazakh Polytechnic Institute, for the first time among the universities of the republic, Comprehensive Quality Management System for Training Specialists (CQMSTS) was developed and successfully implemented. In general, as the experience has shown, the activities related to creation and implementation of CQMSTS have provided a boost to all organizational activities at the Institute. KazPTI has become one of the basic institutes for training specialists for developing countries: Cuba, Mongolia, Afghanistan, etc. The People's University of Culture was opened at KazPTI. By the Decree of USSR Supreme Soviet Presidium dated July 26, 1984, KazPTI named after V.I. Lenin was awarded Red Banner of Labor Medal.

KazMMI graduate of 1957, Doctor of technical sciences, Professor Bayan Rakishevich Rakishev was appointed Rector of the university. In the same year 1985, he was elected as a corresponding member of Kazakh SSR Academy of Sciences for his scientific achievements. As Institute head, he devoted a lot of effort and energy to expanding ties with production, practical training of future engineers. During those years, the admission of students to the first year of full-time education has sharply increased - 1,775 people, in evening and correspondence forms - 600. A total of 38 specialties were studied at Institute by 14 thousand students. The contingent of foreign students from 37 countries amounted to more than 300 people. Rector B.R.Rakishev, along with some of the students and staff, fully experienced all the "charms" of the ill-fated 1986 December events. Fortunately, thanks to timely measures taken, there were no casualties among KazPTI students. Despite considerable pressure, almost undisguised threats from the governing bodies, not a single employee of the institute was dismissed from work, only 17 students were expelled from a large number of detainees - for academic failure. In 1989, 20 specialized student detachments were created. The most important stage in the activity of our team was the introduction of training in the Kazakh language. In this regard, the Kazakh language department was opened at Institute for the first time, a scientific and methodological council for teaching in the Kazakh language was created. In 1988, the construction of a 40-apartment residential building for Institute's employees was completed in Samal microdistrict. In 1987-1992, the state of the material and technical base significantly improved. The main educational building with an area of over 30 thousand square meters were put into operation. The building of educational and production workshops has been completely reconstructed and equipped with modern equipment. All necessary measures were taken to improve Institute’s sports base. During thas time, Institute achieved an additional allocation of two dormitories (# 8, # 9) that significantly increased the housing stock for students. The Main Academic building was commissioned in 1990. It can be stated with confidence: in general, during that period of formation and development, the leading institute of our country, Polytechnic, made a worthy contribution to the training of engineering personnel and science advancement as well as strengthening ties with industry enterprises.

Yerengaip Malikovich Shaikhutdinov, a corresponding member of Kazakh SSR Academy of Sciences, Doctor of chemical sciences, Professor became KazPTI Rector. In the same year, University’s "Bulletin of KazNTU" scientific journal was established, which highlights the scientific achievements of professors, teachers and graduate students. Mangystau subsidiary of KazPTI transformed into Aktau Polytechnic University named after Sh.Yessenov. In 1994, Kazakh Polytechnic Institute named after V.I.Lenin was transformed into Kazakh National Technical University. University has become the base universities for large foreign companies operating in Kazakhstan, such as Siemens and Schlumberger that have supplied their latest developments, computers, educational modeling and software tools for educational laboratories. In 1999, in the year of 100th anniversary of the birth of Academician Kanysh Satbayev, the name of the outstanding scientist was assigned to the Kazakh National Technical University. During these years, mutually beneficial relations were established with many educational institutions in England, Italy, Canada, Finland, Japan, Germany, America. E.M. Shaikhutdinov personally was the coordinator of EU Tempus-TACIS program between three universities: Lakvilsky (Italy), London (Great Britain) and KazNTU (Kazakhstan).

Rector of KazNTU named after K.I. Satpayev is a graduate of KazPTI named after V.I. Lenin, candidate of geological and mineralogical sciences, Professor Yergali Nussipovich Nussipov. In 2000, Kazakh National Technical University opened 9 dissertation councils for defending the doctoral dissertations in 14 specialties, 2 councils for defending the candidate's dissertations in 3 specialties. In the same year, a publishing center was established, which was formed on the basis of the editorial department and the printing and multiplying section of the university. In October 2000, the first issue of “Ras” university newspaper was published. 6 institutes were created on the basis of existing faculties. The literary "Baisheshek" association rejoiced again. Based on Decree of RK President N.A.Nazarbayev, KazNTU named after K.I.Satpayev was given a special status for significant contribution to emergence, development and professional formation of an individual on the basis of national and universal values, achievements of science and technology.

Dossym Kassymovich Suleyev was appointed University Rector based on RK MES Decree. He is a graduate of the Institute in 1970, a major scientist-specialist in the field of management and automation, modern educational technologies. Dossym Kassymovich is a talented, experienced organizer of educational and scientific work in the higher school system, who has worked for many years in leadership positions at universities and RK Ministry of Education and Science. He signed the Great Charter of Universities and actively joined the Bologna process. Since 2004-2005 academic year, KazNTU has switched to the credit technology of education adopted in the USA and European Union. Compared to 2000, the total amount of funding for science has increased by more than 12 times. In the summer of 2002, KazNTU students, as the only representative of Kazakhstan, took part in the team competition of robots "ROBOCON", held in Japan. For the first time, the festival of excellent graduates "Samgau" was held. Academic Council at KazNTU named after K.I. Satpayev approved a special sign in the form of a longitudinally dissected Mobius ribbon and the Anthem of the university as a university symbol. The university won "The Best University of the Year" title. Sixteen young teachers and students of the university were sent for internship to educational institutions in Turkey, Russia, China, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Germany and France. KazNTU named after K.I. Satpayev in 2003 in Paris was awarded International Prize “International Star Award” in gold category and a diploma-certificate. The prize was awarded to KazNTU named after K.I.Satpayev Rector, Doctor of technical sciences, Professor D. K. Suleyev at the ceremony of XX International Convention WQC (World Quality Commitment). KazNTU named after K.I.Satpayev is the first university in CIS and Central Asia to receive such a high award.

Based on the Order of RK President N.A.Nazarbayev, Rector of KazNTU named after K.I.Satpayev was appointed Zheksenbek Makeyevich Adilov, Doctor of Economics, Professor, RK NAS Honorary Academician, Academician of International Engineering Academy and RK SRA. He is a graduate of the legendary Polytechnic University, an energetic and talented organizer, scientist, experienced teacher and reformer. Under his leadership, KazNTU named after K.I.Satpayev has become an internationally recognized educational, research and innovation institution in the field of engineering and technology, uniting scientists and students from around the world. The university is the initiator in launching the new innovative specialties in demand by the production, such as: "Innovation Management", "Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology", "Space Engineering and Technology", a total of 17 specialties of higher and postgraduate education. Kazakh-Korean Scientific and Educational Center for Information and Communication Technologies were opened in KazNTU named after K.I.Satpayev. By the decision of RK NAS Presidium, Earth Sciences department was determined to an independent structure, KazNTU named after K.I.Satpayev became its base university. Department Chairman is academician Zh.M.Adilov. KazNTU named after K.I.Satpayev stood out as one of the best educational institutions in the country, recognized internationally as an educational, research and innovation institution in the field of engineering and technology, the leader among Kazakhstani universities in "Euro-Rating-2013".

On behalf of the State Head, Nursultan Nazarbayev, two leading technical universities of the country KBTU and KazNTU were merged into one. A well-known scientist, talented organizer Iskander Kalybekovich Beissembetov was appointed Rector. He graduated from Moscow Economic and Statistical Institute (MESI) with honors, economist-mathematician, Doctor of Sciences. Over the years, he was in charge of Economic Research Institute at Economy Ministry; Agency for Strategic Planning of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Satpayev National Technical University is one of the largest educational institutions in the country that provides training in engineering specialties. “We are creating all the necessary conditions for its development. University has been granted autonomy. In addition, the university has become a research one," said President of Kazakhstan. In 2019, Rector became a laureate of Al-Farabi State Prize in Science and Technology. JSC "NNC "Kazatomprom" and NPJS "Kazakh National Research Technical University named after K.I. Satbayev" signed an agreement on cooperation in fundamental and applied research field of nuclear and alternative energy sphere and personnel training. International Scientific and Educational Center at Nuclear Industry was established. KazNRTU named after K.I. Satbayev entered the number of six hundred best universities. according to the rating of the best universities in the world (QS World University Rankings). Based on International Rating Agency Webometrics Ranking of World Universities, KazNRTU has become a leader among universities in Kazakhstan. Scientific projects have been implemented with the involvement of financial resources of the industry for a total amount of 421,195,000 tenge. KazNRTU named after K.I. Satbayev underwent a rebranding procedure and changed its name - Сәтбаев Университеті (Satbayev University). A specialized Institute of Digital Technology and Automation for advancing the artificial intelligence has been established. Satbayev University (SU) took 415th place among the eight hundred best universities in the world in International QS World University Rating, entering the top three universities in Kazakhstan. Studies were conducted due to industrial enterprises’ order for a total amount of 910,233,000 tenge (at the end of the year, the given amount was activated in full). SU, according to Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) university ranking, entered the top 100 (50th place) of the best universities in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. In the period from 2016 to 2018, in International QS World University Rating, our university occupied the position from 411 to 420 among the 800 strongest universities in the world with a unique annual increase of more than 100 positions and was awarded first places in "Leader in the reputational assessment of experts" and "Leader in the reputational assessment of employers" ratings of the Independent Agency for Quality Assurance in Education.