Head of ATU Sligo Dr Brendan McCormack Retires

Brendan was President of IT Sligo from September 2016 until March 2022 before the formation of ATU in April this year when he then served as Head of College for ATU Sligo. He has worked in IT Sligo since 1998 and held key senior roles during that time, including Head of School of Engineering (2001-2006) and Head of Academic Affairs (2006-2014).

1. Do you remember your first day at ATU Sligo (formally IT Sligo)?

Yes, Ursula Cox and Grace Johnston were there to greet me. When I said I was joining the Department of Mechanical and Electronic Engineering Grace asked me what course was I doing… I have aged since then!

2. When you were a college student, what or who made a lasting impression on you?

The Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at UCD, Vincent McCabe, had a flamboyant and strong personality and instilled the core competence for an engineer as being to use common sense and to think outside the box.

3. You stayed in ATU Sligo (formerly IT Sligo) for over 20 years. What has kept you here?

The commitment and competence of staff who year following year come up with new and better ways of teaching and supporting students and enhancing the reputation of higher education in Sligo.

4. Looking back, what has been the proudest moment of your presidency?

There have been many highlights over the years, but the proudest moment has to be the designation as a technological university which is a game changer for the institution and for the region.

5. What role do you think ATU can play on the national stage?

Providing leadership in educating the current and future workforce in ways that are accessible and flexible to accommodate people with commitments outside of their learning.

6. What is your definition of leadership?Listen, reflect, decide, and follow through.7. What is the best advice you were ever given?

8. What advice do you have for new and returning ATU students?

This is your opportunity to give yourself time to learn about what you are interested in and to develop friendships that will be there for your lifetime.

9. If you could snap your fingers and make one thing happen for ATU Sligo, what would it be?

To join forces with the ETB to establish a Sligo Educational Quarter with seamless education progression opportunities across further and higher education, thereby responding to the wide-ranging needs for knowledge, skills and competences across all levels.

10. Do you have a favourite quote or a motto?Keep your eye on the ball!

11. What will you miss the most from your time working in ATU Sligo?

The collegiality and the achievement together of ambitious objectives to provide better education.

12. How do you like to wind down after a day’s work?

A bit of gardening…but to be honest watching TV is a real temptation, a way to relax and switch off.

13. What are your post-retirement plans?

To have no schedule and deadlines, to be free to decide what we want to do each day.