20 August 2024 
Bethany Hancock, CUBO Communications Officer
Nicole Black, Commercial Director at University College Dublin, has been appointed as the new Chair of the CUBO Ireland Regional Group. Nicole will lead the group going forward with the support of new Deputy Chair Julie Tonge, Operations Manager at University College Dublin.
Meet Nicole
Nicole Black is currently serving as UCD's Commercial Director and CEO of UCD Global Ltd., bringing extensive experience in strategic planning, revenue growth, and senior stakeholder engagement. Previously the Executive Director of UCD Foundation and Director of Alumni, Nicole has spent over ten years at UCD, where she has developed a deep understanding of university institutions and a proven track record of driving business growth, launching innovative programs, and leading large teams to success. As a trained executive coach, Nicole also understands the importance of mentoring high-performing teams.
Nicole firmly believes in the vital role that universities play in shaping the future by fostering innovation, knowledge, and community, and the crucial importance campus services have in enhancing the overall university experience. From student accommodation to catering, conferencing, sports, and commercial activities, these services are integral to the success and well-being of the university community. As the new Chair of CUBO Ireland, Nicole looks forward to working with CUBO members to share best practices, engage in professional development, and drive positive change within Irish universities.
Meet Julie
Julie Tonge is a senior manager within UCD Estate Services with responsibility for the student engagement portfolio including the ResLife programme, student welfare and conduct within the student residences, and campus events. Julie is a higher education manager and student support specialist with over 16 years of experience in leading transformative student engagement and support initiatives. Her career is marked by a series of strategic roles in universities, where she has excelled in building and managing high-performing teams dedicated to enhancing the student experience. Julie has made significant contributions at a national level through her involvement in key professional groups and boards and has played a pivotal role in shaping national policies and strategies. Julie is keen to learn from colleagues within the CUBO network and to share her insights.
