United States of America (Powell)
43An official business trip organized from 18 to 28 October 2025 with the purpose of discussing opportunities for bilateral cooperation in the field of education between representatives of higher education institutions of Turkmenistan, including a representative of the Turkmen State Institute of Finance, and higher education institutions of the states of Wyoming and Montana of the United States of America.
Northwest College
(Powell, Wyoming, USA)
20 October 2025
In the morning, members of the Turkmen delegation visited the Student Center of Northwest College. At the center, the members of the Turkmen delegation were warmly welcomed by the staff of the College’s International Students and Scholars Office. During breakfast at the Student Center cafeteria, a meeting and discussion were held with Turkmen students studying at the college.
Turkmen students enrolled at Northwest College spoke about their fields of study, as well as the extensive opportunities and favorable conditions created for obtaining education, engaging in scientific research and sports activities, and living in student dormitories. Members of the Turkmen delegation, in turn, provided detailed information about the reforms being implemented in Turkmenistan’s education system under the leadership of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Hero Arkadag, and the Esteemed President, Arkadagly Hero Serdar. They highlighted the development of digital education, the construction and commissioning of new educational institutions, the strengthening of the material and technical base of educational organizations, the introduction of new academic specialties (fields of training), the opportunities created for students to receive modern education and engage in scientific activities, as well as measures aimed at providing employment for graduates of higher and secondary vocational education institutions.
Subsequently, in front of the College Foundation building, members of the Turkmen delegation were respectfully welcomed by the President of Northwest College, Lisa Watson, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dave Erickson, Vice President for Administrative Services and Finance, Burt Reynolds, and Vice President for Student Affairs, Tom Hawron.
In this building, consultations and exchanges of views were held between the leadership of the college and members of the Turkmen delegation on opportunities for establishing bilateral cooperation. During the meeting, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the I. Gandhi Ashgabat Medical Secondary School and Northwest College.
The Manager of the International Students and Scholars Office, Amanda Enrique, together with the Acting Representative of the Admissions Office, Bossan Abdyyeva, organized a campus tour for the members of the Turkmen delegation.
The campus tour began at the STEM Center. College scientists provided detailed information on the organization of education based on STEM methodology, the opportunities and conditions created, the operation of laboratories, ongoing scientific research, and the results achieved. This was followed by a question-and-answer session.
Information was provided on the opportunities created for international students and scholars, the electronic library and library collections, reading halls, conditions for independent student work, admission procedures, and academic programs. The main areas of the current educational programs include: Adventure Education, Aeronautics / Aviation, Agriculture, Anthropology and Archaeology, Art and Graphic Design, Business (Accounting, Business), Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), Communication / Mass Media, Criminal Justice, Equine Studies, Healthcare and Nursing, Music, Photography, Science and Engineering, Social Sciences, and Welding Technology.
Within the campus, members of the delegation became familiar with the conditions created for training at one of the college’s indoor sports facilities. In the Fagerberg Building, the delegation observed the ongoing work in the studio of the Art and Graphic Design program. A significant portion of the ceramic products produced by students in this studio are sold on a commercial basis.
At the Advising Center, during lunch, discussions and consultations continued between members of the Turkmen delegation, senior college administrators, members of the academic advisory board, and Turkmen students regarding opportunities for bilateral cooperation. Representatives of higher and secondary vocational education institutions of Turkmenistan exchanged views with the heads of relevant college departments on the organization of the educational process and the conduct of scientific research. Courses taught in the Accounting and Business programs were studied in detail.
The Director of Nursing, Head of the Health Professions Department, Dr. Marnee Crawford, conducted an academic briefing for members of the Turkmen delegation. She provided detailed information on education and training programs, taught courses, duration of studies, organization of internships, and laboratory equipment in the following fields: Allied Health, Emergency Medical Services, Paramedic, Medical Assistant, Nursing Assistant, Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Registered Nurse (RN), Occupational Therapy Preparation, Ophthalmic Technician Preparation, Pharmacy Technician Preparation, Physical Therapy Preparation, and Career and Technical Sciences. Important practical experiences in diagnosing patient conditions were demonstrated using a virtual simulator. Dr. Marnee Crawford answered a number of questions.
Members of the Turkmen delegation were introduced to the laboratory facilities for students majoring in Criminal Justice by Jack McGrath, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice. Using a virtual simulator, he demonstrated appropriate behavioral procedures in various situations and the use of relevant equipment in specific incidents.
Members of the Turkmen delegation met with Elaine DeBuhr, Head of the Department of Humanities and Visual and Performing Arts and Assistant Professor of Art, as well as education instructors Cammy Rowley and Jo-el Sauers. College faculty provided detailed information on the organization of coursework, scientific research, independent study, and internships in the fields of humanities, visual and performing arts, and education. An exchange of views on the taught subjects also took place.
Adrian Arismendi, Assistant Professor of Business, delivered a comprehensive presentation for members of the Turkmen delegation on the education provided to students in the Accounting and Business programs, curricula, included courses, and the computer software used for accounting practices. This was followed by a question-and-answer session related to the training of business specialists.
A meeting was held between members of the Turkmen delegation and Turkmen students studying at Northwest College. During the meeting, each student spoke in detail about their education, living conditions, and future goals after graduating from the college. Members of the Turkmen delegation thoroughly explained the significance of the educational reforms being implemented under the leadership of Hero Arkadag and the Esteemed President. The Turkmen students were encouraged to return safely to their homeland upon completion of their studies, secure employment in relevant sectors of the national economy, and engage in productive and creative work.
At the Advising Center, presentations were delivered for college administrators, faculty members, and Turkmen students on the topic: “Education and Science as Priority Areas of the Development Strategy of Independent and Permanently Neutral Turkmenistan”. Certificates of Honor from the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan were presented to the college leadership and specialists. Subsequently, members of the Turkmen delegation organized an exhibition of national handicrafts.
