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.