Declan is Head of Department of Lifelong Learning within the Faculty of Continuing, Professional, Online and Distance Learning at Technological University of the Shannon (TUS).
With extensive experience in higher education, academic leadership and industry engagement, Declan is committed to advancing lifelong learning opportunities through innovative, flexible and accessible educational provision. He works closely with academic colleagues, industry partners and regional stakeholders to develop programmes that respond to evolving skills needs while supporting adult learners in achieving their personal, professional and academic aspirations.
Declan holds a Bachelor of Business (Hons) from Athlone Institute of Technology and an MSc in Human Resource Management from the University of Limerick. He has also completed a range of professional academic qualifications in teaching, learning and assessment, including Level A and Level B Psychometric Assessment qualifications through the British Psychological Society, alongside Postgraduate Certificates in Curriculum Design, Assessment and Feedback, and Research Supervision from Institute of Technology Carlow. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Higher Education: Research, Evaluation and Enhancement (HEREE) at Lancaster University. His doctoral thesis is entitled Towards Sustainable Regional Development: Enhancing Engagement in Lifelong Learning for Community Empowerment and Economic Growth.
Declan’s research interests include lifelong learning participation, regional development, adult education, industry academia collaboration, student engagement and innovative approaches to teaching and learning. He has published research examining industry academia collaboration, the effectiveness of Communities of Practice, and the implementation of multimodal approaches to enhancing teaching and learning environments.
Declan is a passionate advocate of championing student centered learning, educational innovation and meaningful collaboration with industry and community stakeholders, supporting the University’s mission to widen participation in lifelong learning and contribute to sustainable regional and economic development.