University of Galway president, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh has announced his decision to step down from the role in order to ‘pursue other interests’.
Prof Ó hÓgartaigh became the 13th president of University of Galway in January, 2018, and will have served just six years out of his 10 year appointment when he vacates the role in September this year.
Despite the surprise announcement, Prof Ó hÓgartaigh stated that has been considering the decision to step down ‘for a while’, stating “Given all else happening in the sector, it is never a good time to go.
“I’ve been considering this decision for a while now and have concluded that this is the right time with the development of the university strategy, the articulation of the new Governing Authority and before the new academic year.
“My reasons for going are my own and nobody else’s. In the nature of things, there will always be speculation in this regard. Those who speculate therefore don’t know. They’d be making it up. I will therefore say again: my reasons for going are my own and nobody else’s,” said Prof Ó hÓgartaigh in the announcement.
Reflecting on his time as president of University of Galway, Prof Ó hÓgartaigh said, “Much of what matters though is immeasurable. And innumerable. Meeting our students and the difference we make for them one-by-one. Meeting you as colleagues on campus and hearing how you are getting on.
“Our partnership with our students and our Students’ Union. The opening up of campus and our emergence as a university with no gates, open to and for the world. Our leadership, in dialogue with our students, on Israel-Palestine.”
During his time as president, Prof Ó hÓgartaigh oversaw numerous achievements for the university including; two bronze awards for Athena Swan, advancements to the Domestic Violence Leave Policy, Positive Action Policy and in Active* Consent.
Despite the challenges faced as president, such as COVID-19 and a failed cyberattack on the university, Ó hÓgartaigh has been described as having ‘maintained the university as a space that serves its students, society and planet with values of respect, openness, excellence, and sustainability’.
“I want to express thanks for the support and kindness given to me in my time here, and I wish continued success to our students, alumni, researchers and academics and the professional staff who keep my alma mater - this distinct institution, of this place and from this place - among the best in Europe and the world, a university with no gates.
“Universities play a profound role in society. Education has had a transformative influence on Ireland. It is a challenging time for the sector with significant and welcome changes to be seen in governance. I hope in this context that we see the vision of investment for the next generation come to fruition.”
