Dr Connolly was appointed as the inaugural Director for Human Rights, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (HREDI) in the University of Limerick in March 2021. Dr Connolly’s academic record includes a Masters’ Degree in Education (M.Ed) with distinction from the University of Sheffield in 1998 and a Doctorate Degree in Business Administration (DBA) specialising in Higher Education Management from the University of Bath in 2018, where she was honoured with the prestigious Richard and Shirley Mawdiff prize for exceptional performance. 

Dr Connolly brings with her an impressive track record spanning over three decades, dedicated to spearheading and executing pivotal change initiatives within the realms of Higher Education and the Semi-State Sector in Ireland. Widely recognised as a leader in gender equality, Dr. Connolly led UL's successful bid to achieve the prestigious Silver Athena Swan Institution Award in the Irish HE Sector in 2022, marking it as the first institution in Ireland and internationally outside of the UK to accomplish this notable achievement. 

Dr Connolly extends her influence beyond the university’s borders by representing UL on external bodies, where she plays a pivotal role in shaping the national agenda on equality, diversity and inclusion.  Former chair of the Irish Universities Association (IUA) Vice Presidents (VP’s) EDI Committee and the National Athena Swan Committee and leading on the establishment of the National Athena Swan Practitioners Network.

With a commendable history of securing research funding and leadership in several key sectoral projects, Dr Connolly currently leads the Gender Equality Enhancement Funded (GEEF) Preparing for Academic Advancement (PAA) sectoral programme and is co-editing a book on Transforming Gender Equality and Inclusion in Higher Education in Ireland. 

In her capacity as Director (HREDI) she remains steadfast in her commitment to drive transformative, meaningful and sustainable change within the academic landscape. 

Transforming gender equality and inclusion in higher education in Ireland