The first chairperson for the new South East Technological University (SETU) has been announced.
WIT have confirmed the appointment of Wexford man Professor Patrick Prendergast as the incoming Chair of the new SETU following the arrival of Minster for Further and Higher Education Simon Harris to the Waterford Institute this morning.
Minister Harris announces establishment of new technological university for the South East and appointment of Dr Patrick Prendergast as first chair of its governing board. The new university will open its doors on 1 May.
Read more: https://t.co/Trp8iJ9Cie pic.twitter.com/MWdBEtR8xR— Department of Further and Higher Education (@DeptofFHed) February 21, 2022
Mr. Prendergast served as President and Provost of Trinity College Dublin for ten years and his standing in the academic and research community is extraordinarily high.
It comes just days after Wexford County Council was given the go ahead to proceed with a compulsory purchase order on 50 acres of land on the outskirts of Wexford to accommodate what will be the 5th technological university in the State.
Speaking in Waterford today Minister Harris said
“I have formally granted designation status to the fifth technological university in the State."
“This is the first university presence in the region and marks a truly historic moment in higher education for staff, students, regional stakeholders and local communities in the South East."
“I am also thrilled to announce that Dr Patrick Prendergast will be the University’s first Chairperson, and that he will be joined on the Governing Board by Jim Bergin and Ruth Beadle."
“I want to wish Dr Prendergast, Mr Bergin and Ms Beadle the very best in their roles. Having an inaugural governing board with such vast and invaluable experience will be of huge benefit to the Technological University as it embarks on this new journey”.
