GMIT to support regional development, says new president

Michael Carmody, new GMIT president.

Galway Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT) will play its part in supporting the continued development of the region, according to Michael Carmody who recently took up his new position as the GMIT president.

Mr Carmody commenced his new role as president of GMIT last week taking over from acting president Jim Fennell who has returned to his full-time position of GMIT financial controller. Former GMIT president Marion Coy retired in November 2010.

The Salthill native has been president of the Institute of Technology Tralee since 2003 where he was formerly registrar (1993 - 2001), head of department of civil engineering construction (1990 - 1993), and lecturer in civil engineering and computing (1987 - 1990). Mr Carmody holds a bachelor and master’s degree in engineering from NUI Galway and is a fellow of Engineers Ireland. He was chairperson of Institutes of Technology Ireland (IOTI) in 2009. Prior to joining Tralee IT, Mr Carmody worked as an engineer with the OPW (1978 - 1980) and ESB as a senior professional engineer in the Civil Works Dept (1980 - 1987).

A past pupil of Scoil Iognaid and Colaiste Iognaid, Mr Carmody is married to Anne and has three children, Caroline, Aideen, and Niamh. Speaking about his new position, Mr Carmody says: “It is a pleasure and an honour to return to Galway as president of GMIT. I am looking forward to working with the excellent staff of the institute in ensuring that the institute continues to provide a quality higher education experience and valuable qualifications to learners in the region.

“In these challenging times, obtaining relevant qualifications is even more important in securing a position in the workforce. In addition, we will need to ensure that we develop and provide more flexible learning opportunities so that those who require new or additional skills can obtain them.”

“GMIT will also play its part in supporting the continued development of the region, particularly through supporting new entrepreneurial and innovative companies and though our applied research activities.”