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�������� has signed an agreement with Tashkent State University of Economics in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, to begin collaboration on a joint master’s degree in economics and other programs, as �������� State continues to expand its partnerships throughout Central Asia.

Tulkin Teshabaev, Ph.D., president of Tashkent State, visited the �������� Campus on June 2, and met with university leaders to discuss plans and sign the formal agreement. He also toured the Ambassador Crawford College of Business and Entrepreneurship and held discussions with college administrators.

Tashkent State, which specializes in economics, is one of the largest higher education institutions in Uzbekistan and Central Asia. Formerly known as the Tashkent Institute of Economics, Tashkent State was the first American-style business school in Uzbekistan and is the first institution in the country to receive accreditation of its business management program from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, the global standard-setting body for business education.

Marcello Fantoni, Ph.D., vice president for global education, told �������� State Today that he visited Tashkent State in October 2024, and plans for the agreement have been in discussion since then.

Ayya Hudaybergenova, director of Eurasia Strategic Affairs for the Office of Global Education, said options being discussed include a one-plus-one master’s degree program in economics in which students would spend a year at Tashkent State and their second year at �������� State for their degrees.  

In addition, Tashkent State is building a new campus and has offered to dedicate a building for �������� State’s use to offer additional programs, including faculty training initiatives and English language programs at Tashkent’s regional campuses, Hudaybergenova said.

The agreement was signed by Melody Tankersley, Ph.D., �������� State’s executive vice president and provost, and Tashkent President Teshabaev, whose delegation also included Jasur Umirzokov, head of international cooperation and Sardor Zakirov, manager of international relations for Tashkent State.

“What an honor that you have chosen us for a partnership,” Tankersley said. “Your university has such acclaim in economics and business education and there is so much we can do together to advance the understanding of global business for all our students. We look forward to all we can do together. It is the start of a new era.”

President Teshabaev, speaking through an interpreter, said, “The partnership with �������� represents a strategic advancement for Tashkent State University of Economics. Through the launch of a dual master’s degree program and faculty training aligned with global standards, this collaboration sets the stage for long-term innovation, academic exchange and expanded opportunities that we are eager to build together with �������� State.”

Fantoni said he will return to Uzbekistan in November to finalize program plans.

With a student population exceeding 47,500 and a regional campus system, Tashkent State is the largest university in Uzbekistan.

“This is a very good opportunity,” Fantoni said. “Uzbekistan is a very strategic country because it is the most populated country in Central Asia, and it is one of the most de