The University of Limerick (UL) has commenced the recruitment process for the appointment of a new president.
This new appointment will come following a turbulent few years for the university, after the institute’s former president Kerstin Mey, stepped down from the role in 2024, following an expression of no confidence by staff through their trade unions and a vote of no confidence by the UL Student Union.
The vote of no confidence occurred when it came to light in a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General that “the university is likely to have paid significantly more than it should have” and “failed to achieve value for money” for a development of 20 houses purposed for student accommodation at Rhebogue in 2022.
Professor Shane Kilcommins was appointed the role of acting president of the University of Limerick following the resignation, and Mey moved to a professor position. The Irish Independent recently reported that Professor Kerstin Mey is lecturing as a professor of Digital Culture at UL for three hours a week on a salary of €175,000.
In a statement received by Limerick Voice regarding the search for a new president, the University of Limerick said: “University of Limerick has launched an open, competitive process to appoint its next president.”
The recruitment process will be headed by the Governing Authority, a 19-member body, chaired by Chancellor, Professor Brigid Laffan. The statement goes on to say that the recruitment process will be “conducted in accordance with the University’s statutes, which provide for search and selection boards comprising members of the Governing Authority, University staff, and external representatives.”
The statement reads that the appointment of a new president “comes at a time of strategic momentum and cultural renewal for UL,” and describes how the University is “advancing its ambition to become a truly research-intensive university, building on its reputation for innovation, collaboration and impact.”
Chancellor Brigid Laffan said: “UL is ready to face the future with confidence and enthusiasm.”
“This is a rewarding challenge for the right candidate, presenting an opportunity to lead a university defined by public purpose, academic excellence and a commitment to societal impact” She added.
The closing date for applications is Monday, December 1, 2025.