Staff Spotlight - From the Liberties to Academic Excellence: Dr. Con Kennedy's Inspiring Journey at TU Dublin
Dr. Con Kennedy, Lecturer in Visual Communication Design at TU Dublin's School of Art and Design, has a remarkable story that reinforces the transformative power of education and alternative pathways in action. Con grew up in the Oliver Bond Flats in Dublin’s Liberties during the heroin epidemic of the mid-1970s and early 1980s.
Con's educational journey began at St. Audeon's National School and continued at the Liberties Vocational School (The Bayno), where the traditional Leaving Cert programme was not offered. Undeterred, Con pursued a PLC in Ballyfermot, which paved the way for his BA (Hons) in Design (Visual Communication) at the College of Marketing and Design (now TU Dublin). His exceptional talent earned him the prestigious Guinness Scholarship (now the Finbarr Flood Scholarship), enabling him to complete his degree, which meant that Con was the first student in his school to go to university.
After a successful 14-year career in the industry, working at the senior level for some of Ireland's top creative agencies, with high-profile clients like Vodafone and the Department of Finance, Con felt the pull of academia once more. He returned to TU Dublin to complete an MA in Professional Design Practice, which not only enhanced his skills but also inspired him to start his own business and take on a part-time lecturing role.
Con's family has deep roots in the Liberties, tracing back five generations, his family still live there and he has a close bond with the area he grew up in - he has recently been appointed to the Board of Advisors of the Liberties festival.
In 2015, Con embarked on a PhD in Marketing and Entrepreneurship at TU Dublin, a journey that culminated in his appointment as a full-time lecturer in 2017. The title of his PhD is "What is the entrepreneurship process for communication designers? Growing up, a PhD may have been unthinkable for a young Con. Now he has this advice for those who want are thinking of pursuing this route:
There are many routes to PhD. There are full and part time options, and via prior-publication. I went part-time route, meaning I could hold a full-time job while studying. Once you’ve an idea on a research topic, consider who will be your supervisor, they will be your mentor and guide your research. You will need someone who you can have a good professional relationship with. Talk with people, they will help you develop your research idea
Dr. Kennedy's journey from the Liberties to academic excellence at TU Dublin highlights the university's commitment to nurturing talent and providing a supportive environment for students at every stage of their educational journey. His achievements serve as an inspiring example of how TU Dublin empowers individuals to reach their full potential and make significant contributions to their fields. His story is a testament to the exceptional opportunities and support provided by TU Dublin, fostering lifelong learning and professional growth.