Dr. Antonina Santalova
Academic Dean
Dr. Antonina Santalova was appointed as the Academic Dean in April 2023, bringing with her an extensive experience of over 20 years in education management and leadership, coupled with a distinguished track record in research and teaching.
Dr. Santalova completed both her master’s and doctorate degrees at the University of Oxford, where she currently holds the position of Associate Fellow in the Department of Social Policy and Intervention. In 2015, she founded and directed Oxford Study Limited, a start-up endorsed by the University of Oxford, aimed at assisting international students in their applications to UK universities.
Most recently, Dr. Santalova served as the Dean of the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program and Director of the Research Institute at the University of Business, Innovation and Sustainability (UBIS), USA. During her tenure, she played a pivotal role in the growth and development of the DBA program. Dr. Santalova initiated the Sunday Colloquiums, a series that provided a platform for academics and industry leaders to share their expertise and insights with students. Additionally, she spearheaded immersive study abroad programs for DBA students in collaboration with other institutions.
In the early stages of her career, Dr. Santalova actively contributed to the formulation and implementation of educational policy in Central Asia. She held a position in the Ministry of Education and Science of newly independent Kyrgyzstan.
Following her work in the Ministry, she became the Country Director for the Academy for Educational Development (USA) in Kyrgyzstan. In this role, Dr. Santalova managed a team of experts from international organizations and national state departments.
Dr. Santalova’s academic qualifications include a Doctorate in Social Policy and an MPhil in Comparative Social Policy from the University of Oxford, as well as an MA in Marketing from the National State University in Kyrgyzstan and an HE Diploma in Linguistics from the same university. Furthermore, Dr. Santalova possesses a Certificate in Developing Learning and Teaching and a Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching in Higher Education, both awarded by the University of Oxford. Her contributions extend beyond her current role, as she serves as a member of the Strategic Partnership Board on Diagnostic Research at Oxford University’s Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences and contributes as a Public Involvement Champion at NIHR Applied Research Collaboration.