John Roland Lloyd Thomas

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
Authority control
  • VIAF: 65514376
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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