WHO`S WHO introduces people who are making an important contribution to education in Ireland today.

NAME: Michael Carmody

OCCUPATION: President of the Institute of Technology Tralee (ITT) and Chairperson of Institutes of Technology Ireland (IOTI) for 2009.

Where are you from? 
Salthill, Galway.

What is your earliest childhood memory?
On cross bar of my father’s bike going to the Mercy school!

How many siblings have you?
One brother.

Where did you go to school/college?
Coláiste Iognáid, Gaillimh; NUIG – Civil Engineering.

Was there a teacher or lecturer who had a particular influence on you?
A really excellent young Jesuit teacher of English.

What attracted you to work in the Institute of Technology sector?
I always had a desire to be involved in higher education and decided to do so after 12 years engineering experience. The practical and applied nature of IoT programmes allows students to build upon the real work experience of their lecturers.

How did you arrive at this point in your career?
I was appointed Head of Department in 1990, the Institute’s first Registrar in 1993, Acting Director in 2001, Director in 2003, and designated President in 2008.

What are the main challenges of your position as President of ITT?
Ensuring the continued growth and development of the Institute through new facilities, more flexible programmes, widening access to higher education and growing our involvement in international education.

What are your views on university status for IOTs?
The Institutes have proposed a National Technological University structure which would more accurately reflect the current level of activities – all Institutes now have delegated authority to award degrees to Masters and/or  Doctorate levels – and are actively engaged in research activities. The title ‘university’ is also important in the international arena and is more readily understood.

What is the worst effect of the recession for IOTs?
The Institutes are facing difficult financial challenges in trying to maintain the current levels of activity. However, we also have a key role to play in helping to up-skill and re-train people who are affected by the current downturn in the economy.

What are the particular challenges of your role as chairperson of IOTI?
The immediate issue relates to the Institutes’ role in dealing with the growing unemployment situation as I mentioned above. Other key priorities are expanding Institutes’ involvement in international student recruitment and enhancement of research and enterprise development activity.

What does a typical workday involve for you?
There is rarely a typical day! It may involve meetings in Tralee on new developments, programmes, finance or resources; working with our Shannon Consortium partners in UL, LIT and MIC; working with other Institutes as well as dealing with letters, emails etc. If in Tralee, I start at 8.30am, but if travelling to Dublin, it’s 6.30am returning by train or late flight at 10.30pm.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
The constant variety and new challenges.

What do you like least about your work?
I’ve always enjoyed everything I do in whatever role.

What is the best thing that has happened to you in the past year?
Seeing successes in difficult times – significant research funds for ITT; our Shannon Consortium activities; our new Library and crèche buildings.

Are you a workaholic?
I enjoy work but don’t take it home with me.

What do you do to chill out?
Relax over a meal with friends; walk, travel.

Do you like living in Tralee?
Yes: especially the range of facilities within a few miles – Banna Beach; Dingle & Killarney.

What plans have you for the future?
I have 5 more years in my current position; after that – who knows?

Have you a role model?
No one in particular. I admire the new spirit that Barak Obama has brought to America – hopefully he can deliver also.

What in the world would you most like to change?
Remove the threat of terrorism (I don’t have a solution though!) – and make airports more bearable.

Have you a message for educators?
Focus on the success of achievement not on failure.

Have you a message for policy makers?
Higher Education can open up new opportunities for everyone - make it accessible and equitable. In particular, equalise the treatment of full-time and part-time learners, possibly through the provision of a supply of credits to be used in accordance with each individual’s particular needs.