A DONEGAL man has become the founding president of Ireland’s newest technological university.
Stranorlar academic Vincent Cunnane will take up the role as President of the Technological University of Shannon: Midlands Midwest on October 1.
He was awarded the post following an open competition by the governing bodies of Athlone and Limerick Institutes of Technology and saw off a wide field of national and international candidates in the process.
The outgoing President of Limerick IT said: “To lead this exciting, dynamic and visionary new organisation will be a challenge but one that I very much look forward to with the support of a really talented, enthusiastic and motivated cohort of staff.”
An electrochemist, Professor Cunnane spent most of his career at the University of Limerick where he became the first Vice-President of Research in 2002.
He is married to Helena and has three adult sons, Eoghan, Connor and Ciaran.
Minister for Further and Higher Education Simon Harris said Mr Cunnane’s vast experience makes him the ideal candidate to lead the new university.
“The new technological university will be the third established in the State and will be a new powerhouse university, driving development and investment across the Midlands and Midwest regions.
“I want to congratulate Professor Cunnane on his appointment. Professor Cunnane has vast experience and will be perfectly positioned to lead the new institution in realising the benefits that technological universities have to offer – education for all, from apprenticeship to doctoral degrees, research-informed teaching and learning, and, crucially, regional development.”
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