South East Technological University (SETU) has been launched to the international community at a special reception held in the US this week.
President of SETU, Professor Veronica Campbell, launched SETU at the residence of the Irish Ambassador to the USA, Geraldine Byrne Nason, in Washington D.C. The international launch took place in line with the first anniversary of SETU’s establishment as a technological university in May 2022.
Prof. Campbell and SETU colleagues traveled to Washington D.C. to attend the reception hosted by Ambassador Byrne Nason in honour of the visit of Mr. Niall Collins, Minister of State for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation, and Science. This visit coincides with the 75th Annual NAFSA Conference and Expo – the world’s largest international education event attended by international educators from over 100 nations. The theme of this year’s event is “Inspiring an Inclusive Future”, one that aligns closely with SETU’s ambition of inspiring futures for its people across Ireland and the world.
This launch came after the recent unveiling of SETU’s Strategic Plan 2023-2028, “Connecting for Impact”, which outlines the university’s priorities for the coming five years. The plan aims to develop inclusive education and high-quality research, that drives innovation, empowers communities, and delivers transformative impact for the southeast of Ireland and the world.
Minister Collins welcomed the opportunity to support Irish Higher Education Institutions at NAFSA, noting that his presence indicated the importance the Government attached to international education in Ireland, as well as highlighting the role Technological Universities have to play in this area.
Minister Collins stated, “The establishment of Technological Universities has been a key policy priority for the Government, as Ireland must ensure that our higher education institutions continue to adapt and respond to the ever-changing skills demand of the economy and society. South East Technological University builds on the rich tradition of its campuses, responding to the needs of its region, but also playing its part to promote Ireland as a destination of choice where all international students can pursue quality and relevant higher education programmes.”
Prof. Campbell commented, “It is wonderful to be here in Washington at this event that is being generously hosted by Ambassador Byrne Nason, joined by Minister Collins, and esteemed colleagues, attending the NAFSA conference. It is a great opportunity to share SETU’s plans for the coming years with a global audience. With the recent launch of our strategic plan, we’re embarking on our work to achieve meaningful and impactful goals in innovation, research, and graduate excellence.
“A key part of this mission is that of our global strategic alliances, including our partners here in the US, that we value highly. This is just the beginning of a period of significant growth for SETU, marrying over 50 years of experience from the merger of our former regional institutions, to build an exciting global technological university of impact in Ireland, and beyond.”
“Ireland has become one of the fastest-growing global economies by constantly recalibrating to the needs of tomorrow and looking to future-proof itself against the demands of a rapidly changing world. The establishment of a new network of technological universities, such as SETU, is a key part of this recalibration. SETU is deeply committed to supporting impactful research, addressing current and future needs of citizens, and to nurture partnerships and engagement with the world,” continued Prof. Campbell.
For more information on SETU’s global ambitions and Strategic Plan 2023-2028, “Connecting for Impact”, visit setu.ie
