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Judging Panel

An independent panel of recognised and expert judges, drawn from the highest echelons of the Educational Institutions in Ireland and abroad, will determine the winners of the Education Awards.

 

Our focus is to deliver a balanced judging assessment from industry leaders who will bring their extensive knowledge, enthusiasm and expertise to the judging process ensuring that the winning entries are truly outstanding and worthy of receiving an Education Award.

 

The panel is carefully selected to ensure the Awards judging process is fair and objective. The judges are bound by a strict confidentiality agreement and are required to declare any conflict of interest in entries over which they deliberate, in which case that entry will be reallocated. The integrity of this process lies at the very heart of all that we do.

A comprehensive judging process has been developed to decide the worthy winners of the Education Awards.

2023 Judging Panel

Willie Donnelly (Judging Co-ordinator)

Willie Donnelly (Judging Co-ordinator)

Director of Research and Innovation, The Technical Higher Education Association THEA

Research Innovation and Engagement Director, The Technical Higher Education Association (THEA) Ireland. Previous Role: President, Waterford Institute of Technology (2015-May 2022). Created on led one of Ireland's leading academic research centre TSSG/Walton Institute.

Garry Allen

Garry Allen

CTO, Kildare Wicklow Education and Training Board (KWETB)

After completing his undergraduate and postgraduate studies in TCD and DCU, Garry has working in the Further Education Field over the past 25 years. He has primarily focused on new course creation to create courses to meet the skills shortages in Ireland.

Declan Allen

Declan Allen

Head of Logistics, Supply Chain and Project Management, Technological University Dublin

Head of Logistics, Supply Chain and Project Management at TU Dublin. WorldSkills Ireland’s Chief Examiner in Logistics. WorldSkills International’s Skills Competition for Logistics and Freight Forwarding Competition at WorldSkills Lyon 2024.

Dr. Matt Cotterell

Dr. Matt Cotterell

Head of School, Munster Technological University

Matt Cotterell is Head of the School of Mechanical, Electrical and Process Engineering (SoMEPE) in the Bishopstown campus of MTU. He holds bachelor, masters and doctoral degrees in mechanical engineering from UCD and worked originally as a design/project engineer in the chemical/process industries.

Dr Jennifer Cowman

Dr Jennifer Cowman

Lecturer, School of Global Business, TU Dublin

With a core focus on conflict at work, Dr. Cowman teaches management and research methods. With a keen interest in engagement and the learner experience, she creates game-based and authentic learning environments.

Teresa Hurley

Teresa Hurley

Project Manager, TU Dublin

Teresa has 30 years’ experience in academia and is currently Project Manager for Healthy TU Dublin from a previous Head of School of Management role at Technological University Dublin where she managed a range of undergraduate, postgraduate & executive education programmes.

Bertie Kelly

Bertie Kelly

Commercial Director, National College of Ireland

Bertie Kelly worked in hospitality as General Manager of hotels before moving into the National College of Ireland as Commercial Director.

Donal McAlister

Donal McAlister

International Affairs Manager, South East technological University

Donal is the International Affairs Manager at South East Technological University, Carlow Campus. Donal has over 20 years’ experience of working in the field of International Recruitment and Partnership Development.

Karen McAvinue

Karen McAvinue

Erasmus & Europe Manager at Technological University of the Shannon

Karen McAvinue is the Erasmus & Europe Manager at Technological University of the Shannon. With extensive experience in international education, Karen is dedicated to enhancing student experiences and promoting global engagement.

Danielle McCartan-Quinn

Danielle McCartan-Quinn

Vice Dean Undergraduate Studies, School of Business, National College of Ireland

Danielle is Vice Dean of Undergraduate Studies within the School of Business in the National College of Ireland where she is responsible for a range of undergraduate programs in Business, Marketing, Accounting and Finance, Human Resource Management and Psychology.

Denise McMorrow

Denise McMorrow

Head of Student Experience, Institute of Art, Design and Technology & Co-Chair of UNESCO Dublin Learning City

Denise McMorrow is Head of Student Experience in the Institute of Art, Design and Technology and she is the Co-Chair of UNESCO Dublin Learning City. She has over 25 years’ experience in Education, Access, Inclusion and Diversity. She provides leadership in the integration of the student services functions and for the provision of high-quality support systems and wellbeing services for students. She has very extensive communication, people management and relationship building skills and she ensures appropriate working partnerships are in place with colleagues, students, and external stakeholders, which are conducive to effective student support and wellbeing and facilitating lifelong learning and an inclusive environment for all.

Paul Mullally

Paul Mullally

Director, Education Lighthouse

Paul has been directly involved with student recruitment from a range of different countries and regions, and more recently he has been an international education consultant and has worked with institutions in Ireland, UK, US, Australia, and NZ to help with their internationalisation strategies.

Celestine Rowland

Celestine Rowland

MD, Galway Business School / Galway Cultural Institute

Celestine Rowland is the founder and Managing Director and is responsible for stetting the strategic goals and corporate governance of the company. She drives the ethos and culture of the organisations and engages with external stakeholders in the development of the educational offering.

Dr. Ciarán Ó hAnnracháin

Dr. Ciarán Ó hAnnracháin

Atlantic Technological University Transformation Project Manager – ATU Donegal

Ciarán Ó hAnnracháin has worked in tertiary education, both public and private, for over 30 years in the Irish, UK, US, and Swiss education systems, predominantly working in the field of Hospitality and Tourism Management and Education Leadership.

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