John Roland Lloyd Thomas (22 February 1908 – 11 April 1984) was a noted Anglican clergyman, and later the Principal of St David's University College from 1953 to 1975. He was, himself, a graduate of St David's College, gaining a BA from the institution before completing a second BA in Theology at Jesus College, Oxford. He was the first Lampeter graduate to become Principal of St David's.
During his years as principal, he led the college into membership of the federal University of Wales. Previous principals had fought to maintain the college's independence, and the move was not universally popular, but it ultimately proved to be a turning point in the college's history, and saved it from near-certain bankruptcy. He later wrote about these events in a book, Moth or Phoenix? St David’s College and the University of Wales and the University Grants Committee (ISBN 0-85088-503-5). The title parodies previous claims that the college was like a moth, burning its wings as it tried to escape the light of the University of Wales.
Lloyd Thomas' name lives on at the college in the residential Lloyd Thomas Hall and refectory.
| Academic offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Henry Kingsley Archdall |
Principal of St David's College 1953–1971 |
Succeeded by Position Discontinued |
| Preceded by New Position |
Principal of St David's University College 1971–1975 |
Succeeded by Brinley Rees |
|
| Persondata | |
|---|---|
| Name | Thomas, John Roland Lloyd |
| Alternative names | |
| Short description | British academic |
| Date of birth | 22 February 1908 |
| Place of birth | |
| Date of death | 11 April 1984 |
| Place of death | |
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