The first President of the South East Technological University has been announced.
In a tweet at 8 o'clock this morning, Minister for Higher Education, Simon Harris has revealed that Professor Veronica Campbell will take up the position.
He said that "after a decade of debate, [SETU] is becoming a reality."
The South East Technological University will become a reality in 3 days time.
Today, I have designated Professor Veronica Campbell as the first President of SETU.
After a decade of debate, this is becoming a reality. The future is bright!— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) April 28, 2022
The amalgamation of WIT and IT Carlow into the SETU will officially come into effect from this Sunday, the 1st of May, when it's understood Waterford will be the headquarters.
Waterford senator John Cummins has been speaking to WLR News this morning on the announcement.
"It's fantastic to see Minister Simon Harris make the formal announcement this morning of the new president of the South East Technological University," he said.
"Professor Veronica Campbell, who's originally from Scotland, will bring a wealth of knowledge and contacts and expertise to the role.
"She's been the bursor and Director of Strategic Innovation at Trinity College.
"There was huge interest in this role and obviously, Veronica has come through the process."
WIT President Willie Donnelly will be leaving his position, as will IT Carlow's President Patricia Mulcahy.
"I want to pay tribute to outgoing [WIT] President, Professor Willie Donnelly for his tireless work and commitment to WIT over many years," Senator Cummins continued.
"I think his legacy will be the development of a thriving tech ecosystem here in Waterford and the South East, grounded on research excellence, and I want to wish him the very best in his retirement."
A university for the South East is something that has been long-awaited and debated for many years.
The Fine Gael Senator says he's delighted it's finally come to fruition:
"We now have a very strong initial board of governors in place with Ruth Beadle, Jim Bergin, and the former Trinity Provost, Paddy Pendergast, as Chair, and the new president in Professor Veronica Campbell now in place.
"I want to congratulate everyone who has played any role, big or small, over many, many years in getting us to this point - a university of international standard being created here in Waterford."
