The first president of SETU Professor Veronica Campbell says she certainly doesn't share the view of some, that it's a "second rate" university.

The new Tech Uni for the South East officially came into being on May 1st - a merger of WIT and IT Carlow.

It was announced last week that Prof Veronica Campbell will be the college president.

Professor Campbell holds a degree in Pharmacology from the University of Edinburgh and a PhD in Neuropharmacology from the University of London. She was appointed to an academic post at the School of Medicine in Trinity College Dublin in 1998.

She has held several senior leadership roles at Trinity, including Dean of Graduate Studies and Bursar & Director of Strategic Innovation.

Speaking to Maria on Déise Today,  Professor Campbell said "the technological university sector in Ireland and globally has the capacity to really make a difference and to make impact," adding that it's very closely linked to the "skills needs and the research and innovation needs of its region."

You can listen to the full interview with Prof Campbell through the link in this podcast.

And for all Déise Today podcasts, click here.