Business School lecturer and disability rights advocate Dr Aidan Walsh is this year’s recipient of the South East Technological University (SETU) Vicky Phelan Equality Diversity & Inclusion Award.
The annual award celebrates those who embody essential values of exceptional leadership and impact in equality, diversity and inclusion across the University. The EDI Office received a tremendous response to a call for nominations this year, featuring many wonderful nominees.
Dr Walsh, a lecturer in Management in SETU’s Business School, and Co-Lead of the Academy of Lean Enterprise Excellence in SETU’s RIKON Research Centre, has been recognised as this year’s deserving recipient.
Over the past 30 years, Dr Walsh has made significant contributions to the University, including establishing SETU’s disAbility staff and student network, which has empowered both staff and students with disabilities, driving inclusive practices and policies that promote cultural change.
Positive impact
Speaking at the event, Prof Campbell said, “We received an incredible response across our University community to our call for nominations for this award, highlighting the amazing staff and student community we have at our University, and really reflecting the values of equality, diversity and inclusion which we hold dear. Aidan was nominated for this award by his colleagues and chosen as the winner by the selection panel for the significant contributions he has made to equality, diversity and inclusion at SETU over the past year, and in particular, his critical contribution to disability rights across SETU. His continued efforts, dedication and leadership throughout his long career at SETU have made a real and positive impact on our University and make Dr Walsh an incredibly deserving recipient of the Vicky Phelan EDI Award.”
Dr Walsh’s work champions allyship and emphasises the importance of intersectionality, collaborating with other diversity groups to enhance disability services, elevate awareness of diversity issues, and advocate passionately for marginalised communities. Dr Walsh recently served as a member of SETU’s Athena Swan self-assessment team and institutional review working group on People, Culture and EDI. He also advocates for disability rights far beyond the walls of SETU, actively participating in management committees for community organisations throughout Waterford and Ireland. In recent days, Dr Walsh was highly commended in the employee of the year category at the National Diversity and Inclusion Awards in recognition of his work and leadership in this space.
EDI ambitions
Accepting the award, Dr Walsh said, “Achieving our EDI ambitions means challenging ourselves and taking action to become a more inclusive, equitable and accessible organisation. By embracing an inclusive mindset, we can create a university community where every individual is valued, building on the strengths in the diversity of their backgrounds, abilities, identities and social characteristics. SETU has taken great strides forward in embedding strong EDI practices and a robust EDI culture at the University. This commitment to inclusivity is a pillar of the University’s strategy and it is transformative to see equality, diversity and inclusion expressed as a core value of the University.”
Dr Walsh’s exceptional leadership in advancing EDI, particularly in advocating for disability rights, have made him a deserving winner of the second annual Vicky Phelan EDI award at SETU.
Banner image shows: SETU's Vicky Phelan Equality Diversity & Inclusion Award has been awarded to Dr Aidan Walsh. Pictured at the award ceremony with Dr Walsh (centre) were from (l-r) Dr Helen Murphy, Head of School of Lifelong Learning & Education, Dr Allison Kenneally, Vice President for Equality, Diversity & Inclusion, Professor Veronica Campbell, SETU President, last year’s recipient, Dr Cara Daly and Vicky Phelan’s parents John and Gaby. Photo by George Goulding, SETU.