MTU appoints new university executive and unveils five new faculties

Munster Technological University's new structure is core to its strategic objective of being a globally competitive university

MTU’s new university executive: Simon Jennings; Dr Brendan O’Connell; Dr Pio Fenton; Dr Mary Galvin; Prof Hugh McGlynn; Prof Maggie Cusack, president; Paul Gallagher; Prof Christine Cross; Tim Daly; Dr Noel Murray; Dr Seán McSweeney; Prof Alistair Payne.

Munster Technological University has established its new university executive and five new university faculties, a milestone move for the university. 

The new university executive will manage the day-to-day operations and lead MTU's transformation programme, merging six campuses into one university, supporting MTU president, Prof Maggie Cusack.

Prof Cusack said: “We are delighted to welcome this remarkable group of leaders to MTU’s new University Executive. These eleven appointments reflect the high calibre of talent at MTU and will progress our strategic objective of being a globally competitive university. Working together, the team will lead our new faculties and executive functions, ensuring MTU remains a university of choice for current and future generations of students and lifelong learners.

“All members of the new university executive will work across our six campuses in Cork and Kerry to deliver an exceptional educational experience, support industry collaboration and enhance our offering regionally, nationally and internationally.” 

 MTU’s five newly created faculties are the Faculty of Creative, Performing Arts & Media; the Faculty of Health & Social Sciences; the Faculty of Business; the Faculty of Science & Informatics; and the Faculty of Engineering.

MTU's new executive members

The members of the new university executive are:

• Prof Maggie Cusack, MTU president, is a multidisciplinary scientist with experience in senior leadership roles in universities in the UK. In 2021, she was appointed MTU’s inaugural President. She is guiding MTU through one of the largest transformation programmes in the Irish third-level sector, merging six campuses across Cork and Kerry into a new university.
• Simon Jennings, chief corporate officer. With a background in strategy, risk and governance in third-level institutions in the UK, he brings a deep understanding of governance and is ready to strengthen MTU’s operational and strategic alignment across all campuses.
• Prof Christine Cross, vice president, academic affairs and registrar. Prof Cross, with a strong background in both industry and academia, brings experience from senior roles in Irish and UK institutions and is passionate about delivering lifelong, career-focused learning.
• Paul Gallagher, vice president, finance and operations. With extensive expertise in financial strategy and governance, Mr Gallagher has led MTU’s finance and operational support teams through recent challenges and opportunities, driving the university’s sustainable growth.
• Prof Hugh McGlynn, vice president, research and innovation. As a leader in research and an architect of MTU’s Transformation Office, Professor McGlynn brings years of experience in fostering impactful research, supporting MTU’s ambition to be a centre of excellence.
• Tim Daly, vice president, engagement and international, has played a leading role in MTU’s strategy and performance development, including academic and student affairs, external engagement, and complex change management programmes, and will drive the university’s regional and global impact.
• Dr Pio Fenton, Vice President, People & Culture, is a specialist in leadership and staff development with experience in management, coaching, marketing, health and wellbeing in Ireland and Europe.
• Professor Alistair Payne, Dean, Faculty of Creative, Performing Arts & Media is committed to interdisciplinary approaches in the arts and has led creative arts programmes in the UK, driving forward MTU’s mission to offer diverse and dynamic educational opportunities.
• Dr Mary Galvin, Dean, Faculty of Health & Social Sciences. Dr Galvin has held senior roles at Irish universities and has expertise addressing complex social and health challenges through design thinking, community engagement and interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Dr Noel Murray, Dean, Faculty of Business, has a professional and academic background in several business areas, including strategic management, leadership, entrepreneurship, and marketing, across multiple industries, nationally and internationally.
• Dr Brendan O’Connell, Dean, Faculty of Science & Informatics, has been a senior leader at MTU in Engineering, Science, Informatics, and Biological Sciences, where he oversaw academic programme delivery, industry collaboration, research impact, and sustainability initiatives.
• Dr Seán McSweeney, Dean, Faculty of Engineering, has played key roles within MTU; he brings expertise in engineering and technology, with a focus on industry engagement and community outreach.

These new appointments are part of MTU’s transformation to create a learning environment that generates social and economic benefits for the southwest region. The new University Executive and Faculties will work together to ensure a university-wide approach to teaching, research and engagement across MTU’s six campuses.