Professor Andrew Wachtel is an academic leader, advisor and author whose work spans higher education, international affairs and cultural exchange across Central Asia, Eastern Europe and the Balkans.
He is currently involved in the development of a new university initiative in Kazakhstan and has previously served as Rector of Narxoz University in Kazakhstan and President of the American University of Central Asia.
Earlier in his career, Andrew held senior leadership positions at Northwestern University, including Dean of the Graduate School and Director of the Roberta Buffett Center for International and Comparative Studies.
A Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and member of the Council on Foreign Relations, Andrew is also the author of numerous books and essays on the history, politics and culture of Eastern Europe, the Balkans and Central Asia.
His work explores the relationship between education, culture, institutions and social transformation, with a particular interest in the role of universities in shaping open, internationally connected societies.