The President of IT Sligo is to leave the Institute later this year to take up a new role as President of Limerick Institute of Technology (LIT).
Professor Vincent Cunnane made the announcement at a conference for IT Sligo staff on Tuesday. He will succeed Dr Maria Hinfelaar who left her role with LIT earlier this year.
“This was a very difficult decision to make,” said Professor Cunnane. “I have enjoyed leading this fantastic Institute and working with such dedicated staff and students. However, there were a number of personal factors which have led me to re-evaluate my position and to make this move.”
Professor Cunnane said that his eventual successor at IT Sligo would be taking over a vibrant organisation with huge potential.
“Although my time here was relatively short, I genuinely believe that IT Sligo is in a healthy and strong position to face any future challenges in the Third Level sector – and to capitalise on the opportunities which will arise.”
Professor Cunnane, who is a native of Stranorlar in County Donegal, became President of IT Sligo in October 2014.
Prior to that, he spent the majority of his career at the University of Limerick where he become the first Vice President Research in 2002. He was subsequently Chief Executive of Shannon Development, the regional development company.
Professor Cunnane will continue in his current role until the end of the summer.
He is due to take up his new post with Limerick Institute of Technology in September.
A meeting of the Governing Body of IT Sligo is being convened to begin the process of appointing a successor.