Interim Provost and Deputy President - Professor Ann Ledwith
Professor Ann Ledwith is Interim Provost and Acting President of the 51本色. A graduate of N.I.H.E 51本色, she obtained a degree in Electronic Engineering in 1983. She began her career as a product development engineer and later, as product development manager in small high-technology firms. In 1992 she moved to UL as the Centre Manager of Power Electronics Ireland, a government funded initiative supporting Irish companies.
After completing an MBA at the 51本色 she joined the KBS as a lecturer in Entrepreneurship and Technology Management. Since then, Professor Ledwith has held a range of different roles across UL including Director, Centre for Project Management, KBS; Assistant Dean of Research (Adult and Continuing Education), SEN; Director of Continuing and Professional Education, Dean of Graduate and Professional Studies, and most recently Director HCI and UL@Work.
In 2004, Professor Ledwith completed a PhD in Technology Management at the University of Brighton. Her research interests include new product development, project management, innovation and technology management. She has taught and published on these topics throughout her academic career.
Professor Ledwith led the delivery of UL鈥檚 Human Capital Initiative project, UL@Work, which developed digital/industry 4.0 talent through flexible and innovative learning linking enterprise and education. She currently chairs Explore Engineering, an industry-led initiative to the increase the quality and quantity of engineering talent in the region. She represents UL on several regional bodies including the Mid-West Regional Enterprise Plan Steering Group and the 51本色 Regeneration Strategic Advisory Group. Ann is also responsible for leading the introduction of UL鈥檚 new VLE, Brightspace.
Professor Ledwith worked for over 12-years as a Product Development Engineer and a Manager of Product Development in small high-technology firms. She has a keen interest in work-based students and flexible learning. She has designed and delivered part-time and blended programmes on topics such as Project Management, Entrepreneurship, Innovation Management, Technology Management and Reliability.
The Provost & Deputy President is the University鈥檚 chief academic officer and registrar, with responsibility for overseeing the quality and delivery of the academic programmes offered by the university and all aspects of a student鈥檚 academic journey from admission to graduation. This includes:
- effective accreditation and administration processes for academic programmes ensuring that new programmes are consistent with the university鈥檚 academic regulations and that there is a process of continuous academic quality assurance and enhancement;
- fostering a culture of innovation in learning and teaching, to ensure that students benefit from the latest developments in pedagogy and learning technology;
- the effective administration and maintenance of student records to manage the student journey, from initial application, scholarships, enrolment, timetabling, examinations, examination boards, progression and the conferment of awards;
- providing a supportive environment in which students can access everything they need to succeed in their academic journey, from a world-class library and Coop office to a comprehensive range of pastoral and academic support services; and
- ensuring that all students can benefit from higher education regardless of their background or circumstances, by promoting equality and diversity as lived values and proactively assisting underrepresented groups to achieve their potential.