Professor Gina Quin, president of National College of Ireland, welcomed Dr David Ross, president of Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, to Dublin recently to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the two higher education institutions.
'Industry-relevant education'
Prof Quin said: “I’m proud to welcome Dr Ross to our campus in the heart of Dublin to formalise our partnership to provide collaborative programmes for students in SAIT in Canada and NCI in Ireland. SAIT and NCI share so many of the same values and goals, a focus on student-centred educational excellence, a life-changing student experience, delivering an industry-relevant education that ensures graduates are prepared not just for jobs but for lifelong careers.”
Dr David Ross said: “We appreciate the warm welcome from the National College of Ireland. As we enter a new and exciting collaborative commitment, we’re building on an aligned mission of empowering students with the skills and experience they need to succeed. SAIT looks forward to working together as our shared vision becomes a promising reality.”
L-R: Dr David Ross, president of SAIT, and Professor Gina Quin, president of NCI.
The MoU between SAIT and NCI will enable student mobility and international learning experiences, develop collaborative online and project-based learning opportunities, advance joint applied research initiatives, and advance innovation in teaching, especially through digital and blended learning. The partnership also reflects a longer-term ambition to co-design joint qualifications that will provide international pathways for learners in both jurisdictions.
“This is a dynamic, global partnership designed to support student success today and a future workforce driven by innovation and applied education,” said Cherie Bowker, dean of SAIT’s School for Digital Advanced Technology,” said Cheri Bowker, dean of SAIT’s School for Digital Advanced Technology.
AI, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and software innovation
"I am most excited about the opportunity for our students to collaborate internationally on applied technology projects, particularly in areas such as AI, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and software innovation, developing solutions to real-world challenges while building global perspectives and innovation skills," said Professor Paul Stynes, dean of NCI’s School of Computing.
L-R: Cheri Bowker, dean of SAIT's School for Digital Advanced Technology, and Professor Paul Stynes, dean of NCI's School of Computing.
This agreement represents the first in a series of strategic partnerships that NCI is developing with higher education institutions across Canada. This growing engagement has been significantly supported by our director of development & external engagement, Dr Deirdre Giblin, who also serves as chair of the Ireland Canada Business Association, and has played a key role in strengthening institutional links between Ireland and Canada.
Dr Giblin said: “I recognise the broader importance of this agreement in deepening the already strong economic and societal links between Ireland and Canada. By connecting institutions that share a commitment to industry-focused learning and global engagement, we are helping to build the talent pipelines and cross-border relationships that will underpin future growth.”
Staff from SAIT and NCI celebrate the MoU signing between the two colleges. L:R standing back Bertie Kelly, commercial director NCI; Glenn Shepherd, director of government and public affairs SAIT; Dr Deirdre Giblin, director of development & external engagement; Professor Paul Stynes, dean of NCI's School of Computing; Cheri Bowker, dean of SAIT's School for Digital Advanced Technology; Dr Donnchadh Ó Madagáin, NCI director of finance; Robert Ward, director of marketing & international development; Michael Galvin, NCI International, regional manager; Tiago Canhoto, NCI International, regional manager; Cynthia Fernandes Vital, international assistant NCI Student Services. L:R standing front: Karen Jones, NCI registrar; Frances Sheridan, vice dean of NCI's School of Computing; Sheila Mahon, international officer NCI; Professor Horacio Gonzalez Vélez, head of NCI's Cloud Competency Centre; Professor Cristina Hava-Muntean, vice dean of NCI School of Computing. Sitting: Dr David Ross, president of SAIT; Professor Gina Quin, president of NCI.