Technological University of the South-East

Wednesday, 1st February 2012

Technological University of the South-East to tackle the challenges of the region

New President Sets out Vision for WIT

At a series of staff briefings, Dr Ruaidhrí Neavyn, the new President of Waterford Institute of Technology, outlined the changing landscape of Higher Education in Ireland and a future vision for WIT.

Dr Neavyn said, "I am delighted to have been appointed President of Waterford Institute of Technology and to have the opportunity to lead the Institute at a time of great challenges, and great opportunity, for the South East. This Institute has a tremendous record in terms of teaching and learning, research and international collaboration, and has developed very strong links with business and industry.

"Now is the time to build on WIT’s successes and take the Institute to the next level. For Ireland to succeed as it emerges from the current recession, our higher education system needs a diversity of institutions capable of meeting the needs of our economy and society. Modern economies are moving away from a purely two-tiered divide in Higher Education to a much more diverse model, with different institutes serving different needs and different learner populations. There is now a real need to develop Technological Universities with a very different focus from our current universities."

In line with the National Strategy for Higher Education and the programme for government recommendation, Dr Neavyn confirmed that WIT and IT Carlow are at an advanced stage in discussions regarding the creation of a multi-campus Technological University for the South-East.

Dr Neavyn continued, "The need has never been greater to deliver a university for the South East. The economic arguments have been well documented and a well structured and focused Higher Education system is essential.

"The proposed Technological University of the South-East will tackle the challenges of the region head on by focusing on the employability and flexibility of its graduates. It will take a practical and applied approach to education and research and will work very closely with its business and industry partners. This partnership approach is fundamental to the future growth and sustainability of the region.

"There is a brave new world emerging in Higher Education in Ireland. It’s a very challenging time for all Higher Education institutions given the financial constraints we face. However, the imperative is on us to deliver a better system of higher education for the learner. The National Strategy for Higher Education and the programme for government recommendation have clearly set out a path towards a better, more diverse education system and the onus is on us to deliver on that policy objective for the South-East."