Evgenia Mikhailova- PhD in Psychology, Dr. of Educational Studies, Corresponding member of RAE, Rector of the North-Eastern Federal University, 58, Belinskogo, 677000, Yakutsk, Sakha Republic (Yakutia); E-mail: rector-svfu@ysu.ru

The rector of the North-Eastern Federal University discusses university’s development objectives and the university’s role in the region. Stages of the university development, its main functions (research, education, internationalization, the third role) are also examined. The mission of the university in the context of regional development is described.

Main trends of the university transformation are identified on the basis of its mission, functions, development objectives and regional development needs. They are as follows: conducting innovate research in the areas relevant to the North-Eastern Russia development, educating and training professionals, development and application of modern technologies to meet regional needs and engaging with local community to foster the regional development.

The author argues that establishing a modern world-class university is a long and comprehensive process which requires strengthening human resources capabilities, developing an adequate infrastructure and effective university management.

Еhe strategic goal of North-Eastern Federal University in Yakutsk is to become an acknowledged scientific and cultural centre of the North-Eastern Russia. The university objectives include educating and training highly qualified human resources that will modernize economy and enhance social development of the region.

To achieve this ambitious goal the university established the system of strategic planning and monitoring, upgraded its infrastructure and launched new education programmes.