Donnacha McNamara is a seasoned leader in higher education with a dynamic career that bridges industry, academia, and international collaboration. Currently serving as Vice President for Internationalisation & Alumni at Technological University of the Shannon (TUS), he brings nearly two decades of strategic leadership experience within the university sector, complemented by a rich background in hospitality and banking.
A native of Limerick, Mr. McNamara began his professional journey in the hospitality industry, holding management roles in North America and Europe. His international experience in this sector fostered a deep appreciation for cultural diversity and global engagement—values that continue to shape his work in higher education today. He
later transitioned into the electronic banking industry, gaining valuable insights into innovation, systems thinking, and customer-focused service delivery.
In 2002, Mr. McNamara joined the Business Department at what is now TUS, where he quickly established himself as a driving force behind the university’s internationalisation agenda. His leadership has been instrumental in expanding TUS’s global footprint, fostering international partnerships, and attracting students from around the world. He has held senior academic and administrative positions including Dean of the Faculty of Business & Humanities and Vice President for International, consistently championing academic excellence, cross-cultural collaboration, and student success.
In his current role, Mr. McNamara oversees TUS Global—a university-wide initiative dedicated to cultivating international partnerships, supporting global student mobility, and enhancing the alumni experience. Under his guidance, TUS has developed a strong global network of over 200 academic partners including a number of key Transnational Education opportunities, supported more than 1,000 international students, and significantly strengthened its reputation as a globally connected institution.
Mr. McNamara is also a key member of the RUN EU (Regional University Network – European University). This alliance of seven forward-thinking universities across Europe is committed to building a sustainable, inclusive, and multicultural European Higher Education Area. Through RUN EU, Mr. McNamara contributes to the development of collaborative research, joint academic programmes, and mobility initiatives that prepare students and staff for the global challenges of the 21st century.
His leadership continues to shape the strategic direction of TUS’s international and alumni engagement, positioning the university as a vibrant, globally minded institution committed to access, innovation, and impact.