NUIM President leaving

As the BBC reported over the weekend, Prof. John Hughes, our President is leaving to become vice-chancellor of Bangor University in Wales:
Prof Hughes has been president of National University of Ireland (NUI) Maynooth since 2004, during which time, Bangor University said, he transformed its fortunes.

He raised its ranking from 10th to fourth in Ireland, tripling research income to 34m euros per year, and earning Maynooth the accolade of Sunday Times University of the Year in Ireland in 2008.

This is a coup for Bangor and a huge blow for us. John is a visionary leader with serious academic chops and I've enjoyed every interaction I've had with him. Most importantly, he is a blue-skies thinker and innovator. They are very fortunate to get him and I am sure that he will elevate Bangor's reputation even in these challenging times.