Waterford appointment to the board of Higher Education Authority

Minister for Education and Skills, Richard Bruton T.D. has announced Waterford Institute of Technology’s (WIT)’s Dr John Wall, dean of the School of Lifelong Learning and Education as one of the appointments to the board of the Higher Education Authority (HEA).

The appointments are for a period of five years.

Dr Wall, who grew up close to Carlow town, just over the border in Coolenaugh, Ballickmoyler, Co Laois is a son of the Rose and the late John Wall.

He lives in Tramore, Co Waterford with his wife Marie O’Dwyer, a lecturer in the School of Business at WIT. They have three children, Donal, Diarmuid and Síle Wall.

Dr Wall commented: “I am delighted to be a member of the board of the Higher Education Authority at a time when the Authority is presented with a significant opportunity and challenge to lead the development of a redefined landscape within higher education in Ireland.”

Making the announcement Minister Bruton said, “At the heart of what the Government is trying to achieve is to use our economic success to make life a little easier for people.  High quality education and training is key to this ambition.  I want to ensure that the higher education system equips people with the knowledge and skills necessary to live fulfilled and rewarding lives, and to meet the social and economic challenges facing Ireland.”

President of WIT, Prof Willie Donnelly has welcomed the appointment. “I am delighted that John has been appointed to the HEA board. John has been at the forefront of the delivery of education and training programmes to industry and the public sector in the South-East. His PhD work pioneered the use of technology enhanced learning methodologies supporting a more flexible and personalized student experience. He will bring a fresh perspective to the HEA board for the benefit of higher education policy and development.”