Official launch — East-West University and Arizona State University join forces to create an innovative education hub in Georgia.
See highlights from the event in the video and learn more about this collaboration.
Doctor of Economics, Professor, with 26 years of extensive professional working experience across the private, public, and civil sectors. Since 2006, she has been actively involved in the education sector in various roles: as academic and invited staff at multiple higher education institutions, teaching at bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels; as an author and head of higher education programs. Dr. Natia has also held managerial and administrative positions within several universities. She is an expert in international quality standards (ISO 9001, ISO 14000), a certified quality auditor (ISO 19011), and the author of corresponding certification courses.
She has served as both Chair and Deputy Chair of Higher Education Program Accreditation Councils at various times. Since 2024, she has been a member of the Authorization Council for Higher Education Institutions. Since 2020, she has chaired the Sectoral Council for Management and Administration. In 2024, she became a Higher Education Reform Expert for Georgia under the Erasmus+ program.
Dr. Zedginidze also has extensive experience working with various international donor organizations (USAID, UNDP, GIZ, DRC, UN, and others) on projects focused on institutional capacity building, strategic planning, quality management systems (QMS), and the development of performance-based management systems.
is an Academic Process Coordinator at East-West University, where she’s actively involved in academic operations. With a degree in mathematics from Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, she has experience in logistics, data analytics, and web development.
She enjoys building data-driven tools using Python, JavaScript, Tableau, and SQL. Nato holds an international JavaScript certificate and has completed the Google Data Analytics specialization.
Her projects include an accreditation compliance calculator used by EQE staff and experts, and a web app visualizing Georgia’s trade data. She is fluent in Georgian, English, and German.
(Head of the Simulation Center and Educational Laboratory)
A Medical Doctor with an honors degree from Tbilisi State Medical University, resident of Physical Medicine, Rehabilitation and Resortology at New Vision University, currently leading the simulation centre at East-West University. Has experience working at Sports Medicine and Science Academy in the position of assistant administrator of VALD Performance systems and administrator of BTL physiotherapy equipment, participated in regular check-ups of the physical condition of athletes of Georgian national sports teams. Has experience working as a medical escort for the International Organization for Migration (IOM), where he provided medical supervision to the organization’s beneficiaries on international flights. He is a certified trainer of trainers of the physiotherapy line of BTL. Within medical residency program, he worked as an invited lecturer with students of the faculties of medicine and rehabilitation of the New Vision University. He is a co-author of the national disease management protocol “Health Check of Athletes and Trainers” and was actively involved in the implementation program of the aforementioned protocol, in cooperation with the Tbilisi City Hall and Sports Medicine and Science Academy. He has five years of clinical experience working as a junior doctor in emergency medicine and internal medicine, within which he received a certificate of appreciation from the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of Georgia for his significant contribution to medical activities related to the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and disease management in Georgia. He regularly attends many scientific, medical and sports conferences, within which he works together with international experts and professionals. He was a guest speaker representing BTL at a medical conference “Innovative Approaches in Medicine” held in Batumi in 2023, sharing his experience using different physiotherapy modalities and speaking about “High-tech Line of Physiotherapy Equipment”.
(International Relations Manager)
Tata Pukhashvili is a specialist in management and public relations with extensive experience in international relations, human resources, and social media management
She is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Management at the International Black Sea University. Tata has experience in project management, event planning, branding, and communication, contributing to both corporate and academic sectors.
(Head of the Student Support and Career Development Office)
Liz is currently studying at the Faculty of Medicine and Health at Caucasus University.
Lizi has experience in the Finance Department, having served as an Assistant to the Financial
Director.
She also serves as the Head of the Student Support and Career Development Service, where her professional responsibilities include promoting a culture of student success and continuous improvement, as well as ensuring compliance with institutional, legal, and ethical standards. databases.
(Medical School Academic Process Manager)
Mari Manjgaladze is a specialist in medical education administration with extensive experience in academic and medical education management, as well as in the healthcare sector.
She holds a degree in Medicine from Tbilisi State Medical University.
(Medical School Academic Process Coordinator)
Gvanca Siboshvili is a specialist in social and political sciences with experience in education and project management. She has worked as an English teacher and has been actively involved in volunteer activities with AIESEC Georgia.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social and Political Sciences from Tbilisi State University and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in New and Contemporary History at the same institution. Gvanca has strong interpersonal and communication skills, along with experience in teamwork and project management.
(Head of the Student Admissions Office)
In 2018, she graduated from Tbilisi State University, specialization: Law
Master’s degree in Unites States of America from Chicago-Kent College of Law in 2020, and is currently pursuing a PhD at Caucasus International University (2022-present).
Magda’s extensive experience spans both legal practice and academic leadership: She worked as a lawyer at the Georgian Young Lawyers Association (2016-2017) and as a lawyer and director at the IRC organization from 2017 to 2019. She then served as a legal professional at the legal firm Khachidze and Gochelashvili Consulting Group from 2020 to 2023.
Currently, Magda Lortkipanidze serves as the Head of the Admission Department at East-West University (2023-present), where she also holds a position as an Invited Lecturer. Additionally, she lectures at New-Anglia University (2024 – present).
Her expertise encompasses legal education, academic administration, and legal consultancy, reflecting her dedication to advancing the fields of law and education.
(Head of the Legal Office)
Tinatin Bajelidze is a specialist of legal affairs and education administration with extensive experience in legal consulting, regulatory compliance policy development, and administrative law.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Law from Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University.
(Librarian)
Gvantsa Kobakhidze has many years of experience in the education sector, as well as in text editing, publishing, and various areas of administration. For the past five years, she has also held the position of Head of the Library at East European University (Ltd).
She holds qualifications from Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University as a philologist—editor-publisher and a teacher of Georgian language and literature.
(Human Resources and Documentation Management Manager)
Ekaterine Japaridze is an expert in medical management and healthcare administration with extensive experience in healthcare administration, market research, and medical service management
She holds a medical degree from Tbilisi State University and completed her residency in dermatovenerology at the Institution of Skin and Venereal Diseases.
(Chief Accountant)
Nata Kalandadze is a finance and accounting specialist with extensive experience in financial reporting, tax compliance, and corporate accounting. She is currently the Chief Accountant at Single Malt Georgia LTD and has previously held key financial positions at Global Beverages, Georgia Distribution and Logistics, and New Coffee Company. Nata is skilled in IFRS, tax regulations, and financial management, ensuring the accuracy and compliance of financial operations.
(Head of the Financial Office)
The professional experience includes reporting, analytics, budgeting, and accounting, totaling over 8 years. Holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Tbilisi State University and is currently pursuing a Master’s program in Finance at the Free University of Tbilisi.
(Head of the Continuing Education Office)
Jiří Dostal currently serves as a Professor and Head of Lifelong Learning Department of East-West University. He holds a Medical Doctor degree from Charles University in Prague, and PhD in Life Sciences at New Vision University in Tbilisi.
He lectures at Charles University’s Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Physical Education, bringing a well-rounded perspective on clinical research and patient care. Professionally, he is CEO and Head Physician at the Center for Sports Medicine in Prague, a healthcare organization focusing on elite athletes and high-performance sport science.
His notable achievements include spearheading the High-Performance Project for the Czech Olympic Committee, consulting for the Georgian Sports Medicine Association, and serving as Doctor of the Czech Olympic Team. He regularly provides lectures on international congresses and publishes in high profile medical and sport science journals. He serves board member position in Czech Society of Sports Medicine. He is also member of the American College of Sports Medicine and European College of Sport Science as well as country representative in European Federation of Sports Medicine Associations and International Federation of Sports Medicine.
(Quality Assurance Manager)
Lika Kharebava is the Quality Assurance Manager at East-West University, responsible for implementing and enhancing quality assurance processes within the institution. With extensive experience in educational quality assurance, she held leadership positions in quality management at various educational institutions.
Her role focuses on ensuring compliance with national and international quality standards, improving institutional effectiveness, and supporting continuous development in higher education. In addition to her work at the university, she serves as a Quality Assurance Expert and Non-Formal Education Recognition Consultant at the National Center for Educational Quality Enhancement.
Lika is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Education Sciences. She holds a Master’s degree in Education Sciences and a Bachelor’s degree in English Philology from Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University.
(Head of the Quality Assurance Office)
Davit Burjanadze is an experienced quality assurance expert in higher education, currently serving as the Head of the Quality Assurance Office at East-West University. With over a decade of experience in academic quality assurance and both local and international accreditation and authorization standards, he plays a key role in advancing academic excellence and institutional development.
Before joining East-West University, he held positions at the National Center for Educational Quality Enhancement (NCEQE) as Chief Specialist and Student Expert, where he led national quality initiatives and advised universities on regulatory compliance. He also served as Head of Quality Assurance at an international university, gaining valuable cross-border experience in academic governance and development.
Mr. Burjanadze has been elected as an Evaluator for the Malta Further & Higher Education Authority (MFHEA), contributing to quality assurance processes at the European level.
He holds a BA in Economics from International Black Sea University and an MBA from New Vision University. His academic background includes international programs at Masaryk University (Czech Republic), ALBA Graduate Business School (Greece), and Turiba University (Latvia). He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Management at Caucasus University.
(Library Manager)
In 2006, she graduated from Ilia Chavchavadze State University, Faculty of Humanities and Cultural Studies, with a qualification in Library Science and Bibliography, specializing in a foreign language. She has many years of professional experience working as a librarian and library manager.
Mzia is an expert in library science, with competencies that include organizing and managing library systems, equipping them with relevant services, and integrating and utilizing modern information
databases.
(Head of the Human Resources and Documentation Management Office)
In 2010, she graduated from the Faculty of Humanities at Sokhumi State University and was awarded a Bachelor’s degree in German Philology.
In 2014, she obtained a Master’s degree in Political Science. With extensive experience in the education and administrative sectors, she has worked as an Academic Process Manager for the Faculties of Humanities, Law, and Healthcare, overseeing both international and Georgian-language programs. Currently, she serves as the Head of Human Resources and Administration at East-West University.
(Vice President for Administration and Finance)
Graduated from Tbilisi State University’s Faculty of Law in 2007. In 2010, she completed her studies at Caucasus University’s Caucasus School of Law. She later pursued a doctorate in Civil Law at Georgian Technical University.
She has extensive experience in legal and educational fields, as well as in project management.
(Head of the Information Technology and Material Resources Management Office)
he has extensive experience in technical engineering, management, and education. His professional background includes:
(Vice Dean of the Medical School)
In 2013, she graduated from David Tvildiani Medical University with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree. In 2021, she completed her studies at New Vision University, specializing in Medicine. She has extensive experience in both the medical and educational fields, including administrative roles.
Her professional background includes:
(Vice President for Medicine and Healthcare, Head of the English-Language Program)
Prof. Khatuna Saganelidze, MD, PhD – Vice President and Head of the Academic Board at East-West University. Her expertise includes curriculum development, academic leadership, and evaluation of higher education programs.
Prof. Khatuna Saganelidze is a medical educator, researcher, and international expert in higher education quality assurance. Prof. Saganelidze is a board member of the Malta Quality Assurance Committee and an expert for HEI accreditation agencies in Georgia, Latvia, and Kazakhstan (IAAR). She has served as Dean of the Medical School and Director of New Vision University hospitals. In recognition of her contributions to academic development, she was awarded the title of “Best Expert of Higher Education”.
She holds a PhD in Medicine from Tbilisi State Medical University and completed professional training in Germany at Cologne University Clinic.
She is an active researcher with numerous publications in peer-reviewed journals and plays a key role as a reviewer for the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME) and AMEE. Prof. Saganelidze is actively involved in international research and leads projects at the Center of Applied Research and Education in the Czech Republic.
She has supervised more than 10 PhD students across medical and health sciences.
(Dean of the School of Medicine)
Dr. Nino Sharashenidze has been serving as the Dean of the School of Medicine at East-West University since 2018. With a strong background in both clinical practice and academic leadership, she plays a key role in shaping future generations of medical professionals.
Since 2012, Dr. Sharashenidze has held the position of Head of the Medical Service at Aleksandre Aladashvili University Hospital, where she actively contributes to patient care and medical administration.
In parallel with her clinical work, she has remained deeply involved in medical education. Since 2010, she has been an invited lecturer at Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, and since 2016 at the University of Georgia, sharing her expertise with aspiring physicians across institutions.
(Vice President for Business and Technology)
Avtandil Gagnidze is the Vice President of East-West University for Business and Technology. He has the scientific degree of Doctor of Sciences in Physics and Mathematics. He has over 40 years of experience in pedagogical and educational activities. He is the author of over 100 scientific papers and textbooks, a participant and organizer of dozens of seminars, scientific conferences and research projects. His works have been published in Scopus and WEB of Science indexed journals. The topics of his works are wide and include mathematics, optimal control, statistics, finance, management, cryptography, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. He has experience in participating in and leading many international and local scientific projects over the years. He is a member of the editorial board and reviewer of several international scientific journals.
(Head of the International Relations Office)
She graduated from the Faculty of Education and Humanities at the International Black Sea University in 2011 with a Bachelor’s degree in American Studies and Public Relations (PR). In 2013, she earned her Master’s degree in U.S. Foreign Affairs from the same faculty. In 2021, she completed her Ph.D. in American Studies at the International Black Sea University and was awarded the academic degree of Doctor of American Studies.
Since 2011, she has been working in the education and administrative fields across various roles and areas of expertise.
(President)
Giorgi Khurodze is a legal and business professional with over 15 years of experience. He is currently the President (CEO) of East-West University, where he leads the institution’s strategic vision, governance, and academic development.
Before transitioning into academia, Giorgi was the Head of Deloitte Legal in Georgia, where he advised on mergers, acquisitions, and international transactions. His career also includes senior legal positions at JSC Partnership Fund and Geocell LLC (TeliaSonera Group), where he specialized in corporate governance, regulatory matters, and financial structuring.
He holds a Master of Law and Business degree from Bucerius Law School and WHU-Otto Beisheim School of Management (Germany), as well as a Bachelor of Laws degree from Tbilisi State University. He also studied at Saint Mary’s University in Canada.
Giorgi is a member of the Georgian Bar Association.
