Celebrating 30 Years at HSE
HSE university international vision: a retrospective through the eyes of Dr. Zasimova, Vice Dean of the faculty of economic sciences
In the heart of Moscow, at the HSE University, Dr. Liudmila Zasimova stands as a beacon of academic dedication and international collaboration. As an associate professor and Vice Dean for International Affairs at the Faculty of Economic Sciences, her journey reflects the evolution of HSE University from its beginnings in the 1990s to its current status as a leading institution of higher education and research.
Liudmila Zasimova is an associate professor and active researcher at the HSE University, and the Vice Dean for International Affairs at the Faculty of Economic Sciences. Dr. Zasimova graduated from the HSE University and Paris-1 double degree master program in 2000. She started working part-time at the HSE University’s International Office when she was a student. She gained teaching experience later, during her PhD studies at HSE University’s PhD program in economics.
Early Days at HSE University
Dr. Zasimova’s connection to HSE began in 1994 when she enrolled in the university's undergraduate program. At that time, HSE offered only one undergraduate program, a stark contrast to today’s diverse array of courses. The concept of bachelor’s degrees was still emerging in Russia, and students faced a choice: pursue a traditional five-year degree or opt for an additional year to earn a specialist degree in economics.
Reflecting on those formative years, Dr. Zasimova recalls, “International faculty often came to teach us, bringing insights from renowned institutions like Paris-1 and Erasmus. With a limited number of Russian textbooks available, students relied heavily on “readers”—compiled chapters from international textbooks and journal articles. Almost each year we were studying in different buildings so I only vaguely remember the first classrooms as they all were different every year. What I do remember, is the technological progress – during the first year the professors wrote with chalk on the blackboard, then white board markers and the OHP with transparencies came to replace them. When I started teaching, we were already widely using Powerpoint presentations".
Memorable Moments
Among the many milestones in her career, Dr. Zasimova highlights the inaugural April Conference (Yasin Conference) as particularly unforgettable. Working at the reception desk as a part of the international office team, she was meeting international guests. “And at the same time I had a chance to listen to different speakers, including famous economists - Egor Gaidar, Oleg Vyugin, Stanley Fischer, Donald J. Johnston, to name just a few. It was an extraordinary experience for a bachelor student,” she recalls.
Another pivotal moment was her first class as a lecturer. “I was just a few years older than my students, which made me incredibly nervous,” she admits. “I still remember the students and I am happy that I taught such a wonderful group. Many other nice moments come to my mind, including graduation, academic and research projects with my colleagues and students, visits to partner universities etc."
Achievements and Challenges
Over the past three decades, Dr. Zasimova identifies three core pillars that define HSE University’s success: its students, professors, and researchers. “These are the main achievements of HSE,” she states confidently.
However, the journey has not been without setbacks. Dr. Zasimova emphasizes that failures are integral to growth. “Without failures, there are no victories,” she notes. The university continually adapts its programs and courses, responding dynamically to global challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic posed a significant test, forcing HSE to rapidly transition to online learning and rethink administrative processes. “We changed so many things so quickly and learned so much,” she reflects.
A Vision for the Future
Dr. Zasimova's commitment to fostering international collaboration and academic excellence is evident in her role as Vice Dean for International Affairs. She envisions a future where HSE continues to thrive amidst constant change, leveraging its adaptability as a competitive advantage.
As she looks back on her journey—from student to professor and administrator—Dr. Zasimova embodies the spirit of HSE University: resilient, innovative, and dedicated to shaping the future of education in Russia and beyond. Her story is not just about personal achievement; it is a testament to the transformative power of education in a rapidly changing world.
All photos courtesy of Dr.Zasimova