Opening date announced for Athlone's new Technological University

It has been announced that Friday, October 1, will be the first day of the new Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest.

On that 'establishment date', Athlone IT and Limerick IT will cease to exist, and more than 15,000 students and 1,200 staff across the Midlands and Midwest will be teaching, learning and researching at the newly-designated TUS: Midlands Midwest.

From this day also, four towns will become university towns for the first time, as the new TU will include campuses in Athlone, Clonmel, Ennis and Thurles as well as the two campuses in Limerick.

In addition to the opening date being set, it was announced today (Friday) that the recruitment of a president for Ireland's first cross-regional university had also begun, with the application process now opened to suitably-qualified persons.

A statement issued on behalf of TUS: Midlands Midwest said the inaugural president would be "charged with leading transformational change across adjacent regions linked by the River Shannon".

These significant steps on the road to Ireland's third technological university were welcomed by both the chair of the AIT Governing Body Liam Rattigan and the chair of the LIT Governing Body Tony Brazil.

Mr Rattigan said the role of the inaugural president of TUS: Midlands Midwest cannot be underestimated and their leadership would be essential to the development of the TU.

"We are seeking an inspiring and strategic leader, with a proven track record of achievement at an appropriately senior level in higher education, business and enterprise, or the public sector.

"They will be required to have highly developed leadership, organisational and communication skills combined with the strategic capability, vision and drive to shape the future of Ireland’s newest technological university," he said.

Meanwhile, Mr Brazil commented, "October 1, 2021, will not only be a significant day in the history of Irish education, but the beginning of what is potentially a new era in investment and development in the regions.

"TUS: Midlands Midwest will have the capacity to open up third level, active learning, to regions and a people previously underserved.

"It will further expand the capacity of research and training that will not only support indigenous and multi-national companies already in the Midlands and Midwest, but will encourage further investment and development outside of Dublin.

"Friday, October 1, 2021 is not just the first day of the month, but the first day of a brighter future for the regions."

Mazars will be managing the process of recruiting the new TUS: Midlands Midwest president and further information is available at www.mazars.ie (Search Ref. TUS0121).

The deadline for applications is Monday, June 28, at 12 noon.