South East Technological University (SETU) is proud to announce that it has been shortlisted in two categories at the upcoming Business Post Leadership Awards 2025.
These awards recognise the university’s ongoing commitment to leadership, innovation, inclusion and diversity in higher education.
Nominations
Dr Sara Kennedy, Head of Department of Nursing and Healthcare, SETU, has been nominated in the Public Sector Leader of the Year category.
Dr Catherine Kelly Mason, course leader for the Certificate in Personal Development programme at SETU, has been nominated in the Diversity and Inclusion Initiative Award category.
Driving inclusion
These nominations highlight the transformative leadership and vision driving SETU’s work to expand access to higher education and create a more inclusive learning environment.
Central to this work are pioneering initiatives designed to support people with intellectual disabilities, including the Certificate in Personal Development and the Certificate in Applied Skills Development.
Empowering learners
These innovative programmes empower learners to build on their strengths, develop new skills, and participate meaningfully in work, education, and community life.
Recognition from the Business Post Leadership Awards is a testament to the dedication and collaborative efforts of staff across the university who are committed to making higher education more inclusive and impactful.
Passion and hard work
Speaking about the nominations, Dr Sara Kennedy commented: “We are delighted to see SETU’s leadership in inclusive education recognised on a national stage. These nominations reflect the passion and hard work of our teams and our shared vision to make higher education accessible to all.”
SETU extends its warmest congratulations to Dr Sara Kennedy and Dr Catherine Kelly Mason on this well-deserved recognition and thanks all those contributing to these inspiring initiatives.
The awards ceremony will take place on Thursday, 6 November, 2025 at the InterContinental Dublin. Full list of nominees can be found here.