Omirkhan Aimagambetovich Baikonurov
Omirkhan Aimagambetovich Baikonurov, a graduate of KazMMI (1940), mining engineer, head of Mine department at Dzhezkazgan Copper Plant, deputy of Kazakh SSR Supreme Council, candidate of technical sciences, is appointed to the post of Institute Director. His aptitude for science and deep knowledge of production processes allowed him to professionally manage the university. As Institute Rector, he did an incredible amount in forming and developing the first engineering and technical university in our country. In 1953, the scientific and student society of KazMMI already united 34 circles, in which about 700 students were engaged. A geological museum was organized as well. For 10 years he personally delved into and determined the social and national composition of each accepted study group, i.e. 50-50 percent city and village ( Kazakh and Russian school). In addition to what has been said, all these years he actively invited experienced workers from industries to teach. O.A.Baikonurov showed all his efforts to improve the living conditions of students, built new dormitories, residential houses for teaching staff. In 1959-1960, Kazakh youth made up more than 40% of all the institute students. Based on the decree of USSR Council of Ministers dated July 8, 1960, # 2006, Kazakh Mining and Metallurgical Institute transformed into Kazakh Polytechnic Institute. It was from that time that the further development of the institute, both materially and technically, and the expansion of specialization, gained a wide scope.