Dr Marie Connolly,
Dr Connolly was appointed as the inaugural Director for Human Rights, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (HREDI) in the University of Limerick in March 2021. A proud Clare woman, and a graduate of UL, Dr. Connolly brings to the table an impressive track record of over three decades dedicated to spearheading and executing pivotal change initiatives within the realms of Higher Education and the Semi-State Sector in Ireland.
With an academic record that includes a Masters’ Degree in Education (M.Ed) with distinction from the University of Sheffield in 1998 and a Doctorate Degree in Business Administration (DBA) specialising in Higher Education Management from the University of Bath in 2018, she was honoured with the prestigious Richard and Shirley Mawdiff prize for exceptional performance.
Dr Connolly’s tenure at UL, which began in 2006, has been marked by numerous key roles, including her instrumental involvement in establishing the Learning, Development and Equal Opportunities functions with the HR Division.
Renowned as a leader in the field of gender equality, Dr Connolly led UL’s successful bid for the coveted Athena Swan (AS) Bronze Institution Award in 2015, positioning the university as one of the first in Ireland to achieve the distinction. Her leadership also guided UL to attain the esteemed Silver Athena Swan Institution Award in the Irish HE Sector in 2023, making it the first institution internationally outside of the UK to accomplish this remarkable feat.
Dr Connolly extends her influence beyond the university’s borders by representing UL on external bodies, where she plays a pivotal role in shaping the national agenda on equality, diversity and inclusion. She currently chairs the Irish Universities Association (IUA) Vice Presidents (VP’s) EDI Committee, having previous chaired the National Athena Swan Committee and leading on the establishment of the National Athena Swan Practitioners Network.
With a commendable history of securing research funding and leadership in several key sectoral projects, Dr Connolly currently leads the Gender Equality Enhancement Funded (GEEF) Preparing for Academic Advancement (PAA) sectoral programme.
In her capacity as Director (HREDI) she remains steadfast in her commitment to drive transformative, meaningful and sustainable change within the academic landscape.