Minister Lawless announces appointment of new Chairperson to the Governing Board of the Higher Education Authority (HEA)
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Ó: An Roinn Breisoideachais agus Ardoideachais, Taighde, Nuálaíochta agus Eolaíochta
- Foilsithe:
- An t-eolas is déanaí: 16 Meán Fómhair 2025
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless has announced the appointment of a new Chairperson to the Board of the Higher Education Authority (HEA).
The Higher Education Authority (HEA) is the statutory agency responsible for higher education in Ireland, to ensure that a high-quality higher education and research system is in place which meets the needs of students and contributes to social, economic, cultural and sustainable development.
Speaking today, Minister Lawless said:
“I am pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Mark Rogers, as the new Chairperson of the Board of the Higher Education Authority. Professor Rogers brings significant leadership, governance and higher education experience, which will support the Authority in delivering on its strategy and in further strengthening Ireland’s high-quality, inclusive higher education system.
“I wish the new chairperson every success in his new role and am confident that he will make a valuable contribution to the work of the Authority.”
The Board is key in delivering the provisions of the Higher Education Authority Act 2022 (HEA Act 2022), which introduces reform in the higher education sector, 50 years after the establishment of the Higher Education Authority (HEA). This reform aims to strengthen institutional governance to support excellent, well-governed, autonomous higher education institutions, which meet the needs of students and contribute to social, economic, cultural and environmental development and sustainability.
As the main funding and regulatory body for higher education, the HEA is involved in a number of significant activities. These include ensuring compliance with governance requirements across the higher education sector; the provision of funding for all publicly funded institutions; monitoring the performance of publicly funded institutions; supporting equality, diversity and inclusion in the sector; planning and development of the sector and providing advice to the Minister.
Notes
New Chairperson appointed
Professor Rogers has over 30 years’ experience in higher education as a lecturer, researcher, and senior leader. Formerly Registrar, Deputy President, and Acting President of University College Dublin, Professor Rogers has led major initiatives in governance, risk management, and strategic development, achieving significant growth in student numbers, international partnerships, and financial resilience, while also contributing to national strategy for the sector.
A current member of the HEA Board, Professor Rogers brings deep knowledge of the Higher Education Authority Act 2022, proven expertise in executive governance, and a values-based leadership style that emphasises transparency, collaboration and impact.
The new Chairperson was appointed following an open campaign conducted by the Public Appointments Service on behalf of the department.
About the HEA
The Higher Education Authority (HEA) is the statutory agency responsible for higher education (including higher education research) in Ireland to ensure that a high-quality higher education and research system is in place, which meets the needs of students and contributes to social, economic, cultural and sustainable development.
The HEA is also the statutory funding authority for the universities, technological universities, institutes of technology and other higher education providers and is the advisory body to the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research Innovation and Science (DFHERIS) in relation to the higher education sector.
The HEA has responsibility for the oversight of higher education institutions and the higher education system. As such the HEA is the lead organisation for the development of a higher education and research system that meets the needs of Irish society and the Irish economy and is accountable to the Minister for that leadership. The HEA and DFHERIS agree an annual performance delivery agreement.
A key aim of the HEA is to create a higher education system that maximises opportunities and ensures a high-quality experience for students.
The Chairperson together with the 11 ordinary Board members, is collectively responsible for leading and directing the HEA’s activities.
Photo credit: Marc O’Sullivan
