New Chairperson appointed to the HEA Board

Posted: 17 September, 2025

Professor Mark Rogers has been appointed as the new Chair of the Board of the Higher Education Authority by Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless TD.

Professor Rogers has over 30 years’ experience in higher education as a lecturer, researcher, and senior leader. He was formerly Registrar, Deputy President and Acting President of University College Dublin and is a current board member of the HEA.

HEA CEO, Dr Alan Wall, has welcomed the appointment of Professor Rogers as Chair of the HEA board.

“As a board member of the HEA, Professor Rogers has brought his extensive experience to the work and oversight of the Higher Education Authority. His appointment as Chair of the board is a very welcome one and we look forward to working with him in this position over the course of his term,” he said.

Dr Wall thanked HEA board member, Dr Niall Connors, who acted as Interim-Chair of the Authority since October 2024.

During his career in higher education, Professor Rogers has led major initiatives in governance, risk management, and strategic development, achieving significant growth in student numbers, international partnerships, and financial resilience, while also contributing to national strategy for the sector.

Minister Lawless said Professor Rogers’ experience will support the HEA in delivering on its strategy and in further strengthening Ireland’s high-quality, inclusive higher education sector.

“I wish the new chairperson every success in his new role and am confident that he will make a valuable contribution to the work of the Authority.”

The new Chairperson was appointed following an open campaign conducted by the Public Appointments Service on behalf of the Department.