Introduction

In 1991, as Central Asian countries became independent, the region joined the fast-changing world of free markets and democracy. Leadership from a new generation provided a fresh perspective on how economic resources, information, and personal freedom could be nurtured in an open society. This wave of change spurred new ideas in the educational system, which resulted in the establishment of the Kyrgyz-American School (KAS) within the Kyrgyz State National University (KSNU) in Bishkek in 1993.

KAS experienced dramatic growth over the next four years. As a consequence, it could no longer remain a school within KSNU, and was poised to become an independent institution. In 1997, by decree of the President of Kyrgyzstan, KAS became the American University in Kyrgyzstan (AUK), and an independent, international Board of Trustees was established as the governing body.

AUK quickly gained an international reputation for being a university based on the American liberal arts tradition of free and critical inquiry. Soon after the university was set up, young scholars from all over the world arrived to help establish this new approach to education in Central Asia. In 2002, because the university planned to expand, the Board of Trustees changed the name in order to reflect the university's regional significance. From here on, it was called the American University of Central Asia (AUCA).

Since its establishment, the university has acquired a reputation for democratic values, individual freedom, and the spirit of innovation.