Thursday, April 28, 2011

Top theologian to head up Mary Immaculate College

One of the leading lay theologians in the UK is returning to his native city in the coming months to take up his new post as Head of Mary Immaculate College in Limerick. 

Professor Michael A. Hayes (53) is currently Vice President and Professor of Catholic Pastoral Studies at Saint Mary's University College, Strawberry Hill, Twickenham where he was worked since 1980.  

A renowned academic in the field of theology and religious studies as well a fully qualified psychotherapist, he will succeed the outgoing President, Professor Peadar Cremin, at Ireland's largest Catholic College when Professor Cremin’s current term of office expires on August 31. 

Professor Hayes said that he is honoured to assume the role as President of Mary Immaculate College, which is a new and exciting position.  

He expressed his thanks to the trustees of the College for the confidence and trust they have placed in him. 

He added that he is looking forward to working with both staff and students, “in the great educational enterprise that Mary Immaculate College has been since its foundation in 1898.” 

Speaking on the appointment, the chair of the governing body of Mary Immaculate College Fr Tony Mullins said, “There was an exceptional field of candidates for this post and we are extremely fortunate and pleased that Professor Michael Hayes has accepted the offer of the position and is looking forward to bringing his experience to bear on the challenges which face Mary Immaculate College in a rapidly changing environment.”  

Mary Immaculate College has a current enrolment of just over 3,000 students and while is it predominantly known as a primary school teacher training college, it runs in excess of thirty different academic programmes at undergraduate, post graduate and doctoral levels.