Dr Marie Connolly talks Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI)

In this episode, Finbarr and Erin chat with Dr Marie Connolly.

Dr Connolly was appointed as the inaugural Director for Human Rights, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at the University of Limerick in March 2021. A proud Clare woman and former graduate of UL Dr. Connolly has over 30 years’ experience in leading, driving and implementing key change initiatives within the Higher Education and Semi-State sectors in Ireland. Marie holds a Master’s Degree in Education (M.Ed) from the University of Sheffield and a Doctorate Degree in Business Administration (DBA) in Higher Education Management from the University of Bath.

Since joining UL in 2006 Dr. Connolly has held several key roles including leading the University’s bid in achieving the prestigious Athena SWAN (AS) Bronze Institution Award in 2015, one of the first universities in Ireland to achieve the award and most recently leading the institution in achieving the first Silver Athena Swan Institution Award in the Irish HEI Sector in 2023 the first institution outside of the UK to achieve such an accolade.

She represents the university on external bodies providing an authoritative voice in the development of the national agenda in the area of equality and diversity. She is the current chair of the Irish Universities Association (IUA) Vice Presidents Equality, Diversity & Inclusion forum and previously held the position of chair of the National Athena Swan Steering Committee.

Marie is passionate about advancing the careers of women in Higher Education and achieving gender equality for all across all disciplines. In her role as Director of Human Rights, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion she is committed to driving transformative, meaningful, and sustainable change.

Thanks to Marie's leadership and dedication, the University of Limerick is the first institution in Ireland and globally outside of the UK to receive a prestigious Athena Swan Silver Award. The Kemmy Business School (KBS) is also to receive a Silver Faculty Athena Swan Award, the first business school in Ireland to do so, marking ongoing efforts in achieving equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). A big shout-out to our colleague, Dr Caroline Murphy who lead the KBS team.

https://www.ul.ie/equality-diversity-inclusion

https://www.ul.ie/news/silver-success-as-university-of-limerick-is-first-irish-institution-to-receive-prestigious

https://www.advance-he.ac.uk/equality-charters/international-charters/athena-swan-ireland

https://www.ul.ie/provost/pdp-portfolio/dr-marie-connolly

This episode is produced by the KBS Digital Hub-Grzegorz Rogala