Three Missions of Modern Universities

According to Dr. Nikonova, the first and foremost mission has always been Education because the main goal of universities is to perform training of highly-qualified specialists.

However, she said that in our university Science can actually be the first one. For example, Systematizing Grammar Course is an innovation of our university, that is now widely used in other universities.

But we should never forget that universities are directly tied to society. That’s why the third mission is the University and Community. During the Second World War, the majority of LUNN students and academic staff went to the front to protect their country and families. They were extremely important in terms of communication and spying because they spoke the language of the enemy. Then, many foreign professionals were invited to Nizhny Novgorod to build the Gorky Automobile Plant (GAZ) and to retool other factories. So it was crucial to be able to communicate with them. And LUNN students were always there to help. Besides, during the 2018 FIFA World Cup LUNN students were helping foreign fans.

All in all, LUNN is a university that satisfies the needs of the community and the government. Thus, the university is truly involved in the development of both the region and the country.

“We are changing the world for the better.” — Dr. Nikonova