The inaugural president of TUS: Midlands Midwest, Professor Vincent Cunnane, chats with students and staff during a visit to the Athlone IT campus today.

New technological university president visits Athlone campus

Adrian Cusack

Published: Wed 8 Sep 2021, 5:34 PM

Last updated: Thu 9 Sep 2021, 9:36 AM

Professor Vincent Cunnane, who was recently announced as the inaugural president of the new Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest, met with students and staff during a visit to Athlone IT earlier today (Wednesday).

Professor Cunnane, a Donegal native who has been president of Limerick IT for the last five years, is set to lead the new institution for an eight-year term.

AIT's outgoing president, Professor Ciarán Ó Catháin, showed Professor Cunnane around the Athlone campus ahead of the commencement of the technological university in just over three weeks' time on October 1.

Professor Cunnane pictured today with AIT president Professor Ciarán Ó Catháin.

Professor Cunnane's visit to the Midlands came on the same day that the Higher Education Authority announced funding of €5.9 million to the AIT - LIT consortium towards the development of the new entity.

This allocation was part of the Technological University Transformation Fund which is providing a total of €25.67m to higher education institutions for the period from September 1, 2021, to August 31, 2022.

An additional €30 million is due to be allocated from the fund next year to further assist the development and progression of technological universities here.

* This week's edition of Westmeath Independent includes a profile interview with Professor Vincent Cunnane in which he discusses his background, his appointment, and the potential of the new technological university.