Richard Hayes

Richard Hayes serves as Vice President for Strategic Planning and Institutional Transformation at SOUTH EAST TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY (SETU), leading the Strategy Office and contributing to the Centre for Newfoundland and Labrador Studies. He holds a PhD from University College Dublin (2006) and has extensive academic experience across institutions including Trinity College Dublin and NUI Maynooth. His research focuses on American theatre/film, Irish literature, and urban planning with a recent emphasis on sustainable development and regional policy.

Education: BA (English/Philosophy) and MA (English) from St Patrick’s College Maynooth, followed by a PhD in American Drama/Film Interactions from UCD.

Research Interests: Combines literary analysis with urban studies, examining themes like Waterford city’s theatrical heritage, coastal urbanism, and equitable community development. Collaborates with the “Performing the Region” team on cultural heritage projects.

Publications: 2023 highlighted works include analyses of Waterford’s National Plan, coastal city sustainability, and urban inclusion strategies. His 2023 book Urban Planning for the City of the Future explores multidisciplinary approaches to future cities.

Labs/Teams: Active in the “Performing the Region” research group and contributes to policy initiatives via SETU’s strategic planning office. Media engagements include commentary on cultural projects and civic governance.