New president of TUS announced
The Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) has announced that Professor Paul Connolly will become its new president next year, succeeding Professor Vincent Cunnane who is retiring at the end of January.
Professor Connolly will be joining TUS from Ulster University, which is based in Belfast, Coleraine and Derry. In his current role he is Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Executive Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences and Professor of Education.
TUS stated that Professor Connolly is "internationally known for his research on early childhood" and that he will take up his new role in the Midlands and Mid-West in the spring of 2027.
He will be only the second-ever president of TUS, which opened in 2021 and has campuses in Athlone, Limerick, Clonmel, Ennis and Thurles.
The appointment of Professor Connolly was announced today (Monday) by the TUS governing body. It said he was selected to lead the technological university following "an international search and selection process, which began after Professor Cunnane announced in May his intention to retire".
Professor Connolly has held senior academic leadership roles at three universities: Ulster University, Queen's University Belfast and Lancaster University. These roles included executive leadership of large, multi-disciplinary faculties and in research and enterprise functions.
TUS said he will take up his new role at "a significant juncture" in its development and evolution.
Commenting on the appointment, Professor Connolly said he was "honoured" to have been selected as the next president of TUS.
"Technological universities hold a distinctive place in higher education. They are rooted in their regions, open to learners from every background, and committed to education and research that make a real difference to people's lives," he said.
"These are all key goals that I feel passionately about and that have been consistent priorities for me in all my previous roles.
"Professor Cunnane and colleagues across TUS have built something remarkable in a short time. I look forward to working with staff, students and all stakeholders to shape the university's next chapter."
Josephine Feehily, chair of the TUS governing body, said the international search to find Professor Cunnane's successor had "attracted a field of real depth and quality".
"Professor Connolly stood out for his commitment to our values in parallel with the strength of his academic, executive and research leadership, his clear understanding of what a technological university can do for its region, and his experience across complex institutions on the island of Ireland as well as in Britain," she said.
"TUS has been established and consolidated under the leadership of Professor Vincent Cunnane, and Professor Connolly will have the opportunity to lead it into its next stage. I want to thank all who took part in the process, and to acknowledge again the outstanding contribution Vincent has made and will continue to make until his retirement."
The outgoing president of TUS, Professor Cunnane, extended his congratulations to Professor Connolly on his appointment.
"Paul brings exceptional experience to TUS from his three previous universities, including regional engagement, leadership in a multi-campus environment and a commitment to the values that this university holds dear," he said.
"I am confident TUS will continue to flourish under his leadership, and I look forward to working with him to ensure a smooth transition in the months ahead."