Prof Eeva Leinonen was today announced as the next president of Maynooth University, taking over on October 1st.
In a press statement, Leinonen said: “High quality innovative education, world class research that has positive societal impact and transformational educational opportunities for all who can benefit irrespective of background are hallmarks of Maynooth University and resonate closely with my approach to university education.”
“I am very much looking forward to working collaboratively with colleagues across the University, with students, the Governing Authority, Academic Council, the Irish education sector and the many partners and supporters of Maynooth University to build on the University’s impressive achievements gained under the leadership of Professor Nolan and previous Presidents”, she added.
In a press statement Chairperson of Maynooth’s governing authority Mary Canning said that she was delighted to announced Leinonen as the next president, adding that she believed Leinonen’s track record in leading and managing higher education institutions internationally will benefit Maynooth, the Irish Universities Association and the higher education system at what is a critical time for the sector.
Leinonen will replace Prof Philip Nolan, who has been president of the university for the past decade.
Leinonen has been vice-chancellor of Murdoch University in Perth since 2016. She has held the role of deputy vice-chancellor of the Unniversity of Wollongong in New South Wales and vice principal of King’s College London.
Leinonen hails from Finland. Her area of expertise is in psychology and linguistics. She collaborates with researchers from Finland and Italy on research into pragmatic language development in children and contextual processing deficits in children and young adults with autistic spectrum disorders.
The top jobs in Irish universities – traditionally dominated by men – have in the past year been increasingly filled by women.
Prof Maggie Cusack took over as the first president of the Munster Technological University on January 1st of this year.
In February, Cork IT and IT Tralee submitted a formal application to merge and form the Munster Technological University.
Prof Kerstin Mey last year became the first-ever female president of a university, taking over as interim president of the University of Limerick last summer.
In a press statement at time, Minister for Higher Education Simon Harris said: “I am delighted to welcome the appointment of Dr Mey as interim president of the University of Limerick. This is a key strategic appointment in our higher education sector.”
“I am particularly pleased to welcome Dr Mey as the first female president of a university in Ireland”, Harris said. “Dr Mey’s prolific academic record, renowned research and established leadership both in Ireland and internationally will be of immense benefit to the university and I wish all in the university well in this new and exciting phase. I look forward to visiting in due course to see the work for myself.”
“This is an historic appointment. I want to state my commitment to the roll-out of the senior academic leadership initiative in higher education set in place by the last Government, to increase the number of women at professor level in our universities.”
Trinity is also set to have its first-ever female provost. Prof Jane Ohlmeyer, Prof Linda Doyle and Prof Linda Hogan are currently competing for the top job in the Provost elections.
