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UCD North America Global Centre

Creating Opportunities for Partnership, Research, and Student Success in North America

UCD’s longstanding connection to North America, and decade-long presence in the US, reflects our commitment to our North American partners, students, and the Irish diaspora community. The UCD North America Global Centre serves as a dynamic hub for global engagement — fostering meaningful partnerships, supporting mobility, and growing UCD’s global reach.
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About the Centre

The UCD North America Global Centre is one of five overseas UCD Global Centres and serves as the University’s dedicated hub for engagement across the United States and Canada. As a key region for international education, North America offers rich opportunities for partnership, innovation, and student mobility. The Centre supports UCD’s long-term strategy for building strong connections across academia, research, government, industry, and the wider community.

The Centre’s mission is to facilitate engagement and catalyse collaboration — supporting partnerships, engaging directly with prospective students, and enabling strategic relationships that advance UCD’s global reach. It provides comprehensive support to prospective and current students, North American institutions, government agencies, and alumni, while strengthening research and academic pathways across the region.

The UCD North America Global Centre creates the conditions for impactful, sustainable partnerships and meaningful student pathways between UCD and North America.

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Our Growth Over 10 Years

Established in 2015, the UCD North America Global Centre has grown significantly to become one of the largest and most active engagements in North America by a European university. What began with a team of two has expanded to a dynamic team of 8 professionals today, with a home office in New York City and regionally based staff in six states across the USA.

The Centre has played a pivotal role in connecting UCD with partners, institutions, and students across the region. Over the past 10 years the North America Global Centre has supported thousands of students attending UCD on undergraduate, graduate, and occasional programmes, and has helped develop dual degree programmes with longstanding partners, such as University of California Davis, Indiana University Bloomington, and Northeastern University.

This growth underscores UCD’s long-term commitment to North America’s education and innovation priorities, and our dedication to deepening connections between Ireland and the region.

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Collaboration & Partnership Opportunities

We welcome collaboration from a variety of stakeholders:

  • Students, Parents, Counselors and Advisors
  • Universities and Academic Institutions
  • Government and Non-Profit Organizations
  • Alumni and Community

Reach out and we look forward to collaborating with you.

Enquire

Student Support

  • Guidance on applications, scholarships, and transitioning to Ireland
  • Information sessions, fairs, and roadshows to help you make informed decisions
  • Pre-arrival briefings and orientation to prepare for life at UCD
  • Ongoing support via our regional team, events, and local alumni network

Industry, Innovation & Community Engagement

  • Serve as connector between UCD’s research, innovations, and local industries
  • Promote internships, applied research placements, and knowledge transfer
  • Organise public lectures, symposia, policy roundtables, and innovation showcases

Strategic Partnerships

  • Develop and support dual and joint degree programmes, exchange and study abroad opportunities
  • Nurture bilateral partnerships and engage with members of prestigious international consortia 
  • Engage with government, NGOs, and other partners to promote international educational opportunities

Alumni & Network Building

  • Strengthen and expand UCD’s North American alumni community
  • Support alumni-led events, mentoring, and local chapters
  • Nurture the Irish Diaspora in North America and connect the Irish community to Irish educational opportunities

Our North America Team

The UCD North America Global Centre is based out of a home office in New York City, with regional offices in six states across the US.

Shannon Farrelly headshot 2022

Shannon Farrelly

Regional Director, North America

Currently on Maternity Leave (1st June 2025 to 5th January 2026).

Shannon leads UCD’s engagement in North America and the North America Global Centre. She is passionate about fostering the strong ties between Ireland and North America through UCD’s commitment to fostering meaningful collaborations and cultivating strategic partnerships in the region.

shannon.farrelly@ucd.ie +1 646-884-4944 (Eastern Time)
Jim Pierson Senior Regional Manager

Jim Pierson

Senior Regional Manager, North America

Jim manages our North America team and is responsible for a range of activities to increase UCD brand awareness in the US and Canada. With a particular focus on the growth of full degree student recruitment in North America, Jim is a key contact for new and existing partners.

jim.pierson@ucd.ie +1 847 373 6731 (Central Time)
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Kendall Hook

Engagement Manager, North America

Kendall is based in Nashville and supports our key priorities and partnerships for collaborative programmes. Kendall is passionate about working with partners and students to provide information about UCD's world class academic offerings.

kendall.hook@ucd.ie +1 646 280 7000 (Central Time)
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Bridget Troy

Admissions Manager, North America

Bridie is based in Chicago and manages the admissions procedures and processes for North American applicants. Bridie is a key point of contact for students and families, so please reach out with any questions about life in Ireland, admissions, and how UCD can help you reach your goals

bridget.troy@ucd.ie +1 708 803 5098 (Central Time)
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Chelsea Weaver

Recruitment Manager, North America

Chelsea is based in Seattle and is the trusted point of contact for students, families, and high school counselors to learn more about UCD. Chelsea is dedicated to supporting all our incoming students through the entire cycle, from application to orientation. Reach out with questions about the UCD experience and life in Dublin.

chelsea.weaver1@ucd.ie +1 206 953 5068 (Pacific Time)
Sarah Keniston

Sarah Keniston

Admissions Officer, North America

Sarah is based in Boston, MA and is a recent alumni of UCD. Sarah supports North American prospective students and applicants to learn more about UCD's academic offerings, scholarships, and life on campus. If you're a student, a high school counselor, or alumni yourself, please reach out to Sarah to find out more about UCD.

sarah.keniston@ucd.ie +1 646 884 4514 (Eastern Time)
Tessa Rendina

Tessa Rendina

Admissions Officer, North America

Tessa is based in Harrisburg, PA and supports prospective students and applicants to learn more about UCD's academic offerings, scholarships, and life on campus. Reach out to Tessa to learn more about UCD, the student experience and support available, and how to apply.

tessa.rendina@ucd.ie +1 646 690 9024 (Eastern Time)

Contact UCD Global

UCD Global, Gerard Manley Hopkins Centre (UCD International Office), Belfield, Dublin 4.
T: +353 1 716 8500 | Location Map(opens in a new window)