Dr Ruaidhrí Neavyn, President of Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT), is to take up an advisor role with the Higher Education Authority (HEA).
The Governing Body of WIT has accepted the request of the Department of Education and Skills (DES) for the secondment of Dr Neavyn to the DES and he will take up the position of Advisor on the development of the Technological Sector encompassing the existing institutes of technology.
The Chairman of the Governing Body, Mr Dick Langford said, “On behalf of the Institute and in particular the staff and student body, I want to thank Ruaidhrí for his contribution to the development of WIT in challenging times. His expertise and experience have been of great value and I wish him every success in his future role.”
The appointment will be a critical pillar in delivering on the HEA’s agenda to develop the technological sector. The CEO of the HEA stated that “An experienced President in an advisory role will support the HEA in aligning the necessary components for real and sustained development of the HE Technological sector. Dr Neavyn will bring his wealth of experience in the sector to the role and will ensure that the sector is appropriately represented in key areas”.
Speaking about his new role, Dr Neavyn commented, “I am delighted to accept this new role and the opportunities it presents. Having worked in five Institutes of Technology at all levels from lecturer to President over the past 25 years, I look forward to applying my experience at a national level with the Higher Education Authority.”
Dr Neavyn will transition to the full time position at the end of the month.
The governing body is taking immediate steps to appoint a new President.There was dismay in Government circles late last year when WIT pulled the plug on merger talks with IT Carlow, intended as a forerunner to an application for university status.
Wrangling between the Waterford and Carlow ITs came to a head after a report raised questions about how long it would take for IT Carlow to meet the criteria necessary for university status.
Proposals for a technological university in Dublin and another in Munster are advancing, while this week a Connacht-Ulster Alliance indicated its intention to pursue designation as a technological university.
Rebecca Strong
Image Credit: Independent.ie
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