Establishment of South East Technological University and its first president is welcomed by Minister Harris

Higher Education Minister Simon Harris has welcomed the establishment of the South East Technological University (SETU).

From today, Waterford Institute of Technology and IT Carlow will be dissolved and a stand-alone university presence in the region will be created.

Professor Veronica Campbell will become the first president of the new technological university (TU), subject to her formal appointment by the first governing body of SETU. The governing body is to be chaired by Dr Paddy Prendergast.

Minister Harris said, “This really is a red letter day for the South East. I am tremendously proud to be a part of the team of many, many people, staff, students and wider regional stakeholders who, after a journey of some 10 years or more, have arrived at this point.

“Now, for the first time, a university stands in the South East. This new university can build on the enormous strengths of both institutes and really put a mark on the quality of higher education, employment, enterprise and skills creation, expanded research, socio-economic and regional development in the vibrant South East. The new university will be building on very firm foundations.

The Chairperson of the governing body, Prof Patrick Prendergast said, “The creation of South East Technological University is a momentous day for the South East of Ireland. It marks a new dawn for the region, and we in the governing body share an immense pride with the staff and students of SETU in all that has been achieved to make our new university a reality.”

Prof Campbell said, “We are ambitious for our new university and for our region. We want to become a leading European technological university, transforming lives, and driving growth through excellence in learning, research, collaboration and innovation. SETU will play a pivotal role in regional development, attracting talent, inward investment and research opportunities to The South East.

“For the first time, the South East now has its own university, allowing students from the region to live at, or near to, home while pursuing an incredible breadth of courses, up to doctorate level. We hope to attract and retain those graduates who had previously left the region to study and work elsewhere.”

On 1 May the South East Technological University (Ollscoil Teicneolaíochta an Oirdheiscirt), will officially open its doors, and students graduating in the current 2021 to 2022 academic year will do so with university-level qualifications.

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