Minister Harris announces first President of Munster Technological University with effect from January 1st
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris TD has announced the appointment of Professor Maggie Cusack as the first president of the Munster Technological University.
Professor Maggie Cusack, currently Dean of Natural Sciences, University of Sterling, will be the first president of the Munster Technological University with effect from 1 January 2021.
This follows the running of an open competition by the governing bodies of IT Tralee and Cork Institute of Technology and their proposing Professor Cusack as the successful candidate from a field of 60 candidates, national and international.
Speaking today, Minister Harris said: “The establishment of only the second technological university in the State, the first outside the capital, is another important milestone for higher education in Ireland and, in particular, for the South West.
“I want to congratulate Professor Cusack on her appointment. It makes her the second ever female President of an Irish University. Professor Cusack will lead MU on this journey of transformation, and will help drive the agenda of higher education access excellence in teaching and learning, regional development and crucially, strengthen the links between community and the university.”
MTU initiated an open and competitive process for the selection of a candidate for designation as the first President of the Munster Technological University (MTU). A total of 60 applications were received for the post of which twelve were female.
Arising from this process Professor Cusack was chosen as the nominee for the first President of Munster Technological University.
“I am thrilled to be appointed inaugural president of Munster Technological University. On 1st January 2021, the culmination of many years of planning, preparation and hard work will come together as Munster Technological University comes into existence. MTU’s mission is to lead change and, through education, empower people for a successful future in a globalised world. I look forward to working with my MTU colleagues at this exciting and profoundly important time for staff, students, and all stakeholders to maximise the opportunities of a Technological University to bring educational, economic and social benefit to the region for generations to come”.
In addition, a public process has commenced seeking expressions of interest in the role of chairperson of MTU. In advance of the conclusion of this process, Minister Harris will appoint Bob Savage as chairperson from 1st January 2021.