5 May 2023

She will succeed Professor Medwin Hughes, DL, who will retire having been in post for 23 years and will start her role as Vice-Chancellor Designate in June, taking over from Professor Hughes as Vice-Chancellor in September.

Professor Elwen Evans, KC is currently Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Executive Dean for the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at Swansea University and has responsibility for the Welsh Language and Culture within the University.

Professor Evans, who will be the first female leader of the universities and predecessor institutions, said: “I feel deeply honoured to have been appointed to the role of Vice-Chancellor of the University of Wales and University of Wales Trinity Saint David.  I look forward to working with colleagues, students and governors within the University and external partners to ensure the continued success of both prestigious institutions.”

The Venerable Randolph Thomas, Chair of the Universities’ Councils said: “I’m delighted that Professor Elwen Evans, KC, has been appointed to the role of Vice-Chancellor of the University of Wales and the University of Wales Trinity Saint David.  Professor Evans has enjoyed an eminent legal and academic career and we look forward to her leadership of these historic institutions”.

Emlyn Dole, Chair Designate of the University Council added: “My sincerest congratulations to Professor Elwen Evans on her appointment as Vice-Chancellor. I look forward to working with her to fulfil the University’s mission of transforming education and the lives of the individuals and communities we serve”.

Professor Medwin Hughes, DL, concluded: “I’d like to congratulate Professor Evans on her appointment and wish her well in the role. She is renowned as a creative and dynamic leader who has a demonstrable track record in delivering successful programmes of transformation, cultural change, and strategic development. 

“She joins institutions that have never been afraid of change. The transformative journey of both the University of Wales and the University of Wales Trinity Saint David has the wellbeing of the nation at its heart. Our new Vice-Chancellor will continue the work to establish a new university for Wales. She can be assured of the full support of the Universities as she starts on this exciting new chapter of the history of our institutions.”

Universities Wales looks forward to working with Professor Evans in her new role as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Wales and UWTSD.