Chris Corcoran Appointed New Executive Director in Dingle

International higher education leader will oversee academic, operational, and strategic initiatives while building on SHU Dingle’s continued growth

Key Highlights

• Sacred Heart University has appointed Chris Corcoran as executive director of SHU Dingle, effective June 22, to oversee the academic, operational, financial, and strategic leadership of the University’s Ireland location
• Corcoran brings leadership experience in international higher education, business development, and organizational management, including senior roles with Robert Walters in Hong Kong, IES Abroad Dublin, and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)
• As executive director, Corcoran will guide SHU Dingle’s continued growth while building on its strong foundation as a premier destination for experiential and international education
• Corcoran emphasizes student belonging, cultural immersion, and personal growth as hallmarks of the SHU Dingle experience and encourages students to embrace study abroad opportunities with confidence
• Corcoran plans to strengthen SHU Dingle’s longstanding partnerships with the Dingle community through collaborative leadership, engagement, and a continued commitment to serving as a positive, long-term community partner

Sacred Heart University has appointed Chris Corcoran as executive director of Sacred Heart University Dingle (SHU Dingle), effective June 22.

In his new role, Corcoran will oversee all academic, operational, financial, and strategic functions of SHU Dingle, ensuring its continued growth as a premier international education destination.

Corcoran brings extensive leadership experience in international higher education, business development, and organizational management. Most recently, he served as associate director with Robert Walters in Hong Kong, where he led the firm's financial services division and oversaw business strategy, operations, talent development, and organizational growth.

Previously, Corcoran held several leadership positions with IES Abroad Dublin, one of the world's leading study abroad organizations. As business development manager, he helped shape global growth strategies, expanded university partnerships, and led initiatives that significantly increased student participation. He also served as a lecturer in business negotiations, developing curriculum and teaching students through experiential learning. Earlier in his career, Corcoran worked across tax and consulting departments with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) in Dublin.

Corcoran earned a bachelor's degree in business and legal studies and a master's degree in accounting from University College Dublin. He is both a chartered accountant (ACA) and a chartered tax adviser (CTA).

“Chris brings an exceptional combination of international higher education experience, strategic leadership, and operational expertise to SHU Dingle,” said Mark Beekey, dean of the College of Arts & Sciences. “SHU Dingle has experienced remarkable growth in recent years and has become an integral part of Sacred Heart University’s global mission. Chris’ collaborative leadership style and commitment to student success make him the ideal person to build on that strong foundation as we continue expanding opportunities for experiential and international learning.”

In a question-and-answer session, Corcoran discussed his vision for SHU Dingle, what students can expect from their study abroad experience, and what excites him most about leading the University's Ireland location.

What attracted you to the opportunity to lead SHU Dingle?

The first thing that jumps out is how diverse and multifaceted the role is, which really appeals to me as no two days will be the same. I’m very much a people person so the opportunity to work with such a wide range of stakeholders including students, staff, and faculty was also attractive. And finally, the chance to work in a mission-driven position and hopefully contribute to the community in a meaningful way.

What excites you most about leading SHU Dingle at this point in its growth?

What excites me most is the opportunity set, which is essentially boundless. I’m extremely fortunate to come into the role at a time where the campus is already in incredible shape, thanks to the stellar work of the team here. The foundations are very much in place so it’s really about shaping the next phase of growth across all aspects of campus life. So very much evolution as opposed to revolution.

What do you hope every student takes away from their experience at SHU Dingle?

• A sense of belonging, achievement, and gratitude. 
• The importance of being open-minded.
• A love of embracing new or different cultures.
• The satisfaction that comes from moving out of their comfort zones.
• The possibilities that lie ahead of them.

SHU Dingle has built strong connections with the Dingle community over many years. How do you hope to build on those relationships as executive director?

By being highly visible, approachable, and engaged. Much of the Dingle campus’ success is built on trust and partnerships with the local community, and I take that responsibility seriously. My leadership style is collaborative and relationship‑driven, and I genuinely enjoy connecting with people. I see the executive director as both a campus leader and a community ambassador—someone who actively listens and contributes, who gives back. Above all, I want to ensure SHU is seen as a positive, long‑term partner in the region.

What advice would you give to students who are considering studying abroad but may be hesitant to take the leap?

I was such a student myself and understand it can be a daunting prospect. However, with the benefit of hindsight and experience, I can also attest to how transformative the study abroad experience can be. To me, life is built around human connection, experiences, and memories. I have rarely heard people speaking of regret when they take a chance or commit to something outside of their natural comfort zones. Life is short and unpredictable. Take the leap! We will be there to support you every step of the way.