Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology?
Name: Jim Devine
Position: Director, Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology (IADT)
What's it like to work in IADT?
I find it really stimulating, challenging and rewarding to be in a small college with a proud reputation.
How does this job compare to your last job?
The development and entrepreneurial dynamic in my last job in DCU has served me well in coming to IADT.
What's the best part of your job?
Time spent with students and staff, particularly as projects and artwork comes to fruition during the year and at our end-of year showcase and exhibition events.
What's the hardest part of your job?
Riding the wave of change in higher education - greater diversity in student profiles, onerous demands on funding and the imperatives for quality and good governance.
Where's the best place in IADT to retreat to when it all gets too much?
I love the tranquility of our walled orchard, which we're slowly rehabilitating. It dates from the 19th century and a much larger 100 acre estate, long since broken up.
Who's your education idol?
Richard P Feynman, Nobel physicist and with thanks to Br Minogue, an inspirational teacher in Synge Street.
If you could change one thing about IADT, what would it be?
We badly need to develop 10 of our 20-acre campus, for example projects to deliver more teaching space, sports and recreation facilities and on-campus accommodation.
What's unique about IADT?
It's captured in the title! There is only one Institute of Art, Design & Technology in Ireland where creativity, technology and enterprise are seamlessly integrated.
