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A New University in Wales?

11.12.2008

Today (Thursday), the governing bodies of the oldest higher education institutions in Wales have agreed to explore the formation of a new university.

The Governors of Trinity College Carmarthen and the Council of the University of Wales Lampeter having considered the report of a joint working group appointed to explore the possible benefits of collaboration have today agreed to work together to establish a new university. Under the leadership of Dr Medwin Hughes the new university will build on the traditions and resources of the respective institutions.

To achieve this, the Board and Council have agreed to establish a Formation Committee charged with bringing forward to Council meetings in March 2009 proposals to make the new university a reality.

“This is a major development for higher education in Wales and responds directly to the Welsh Assembly Government’s One Wales policy document which aims to create a prosperous society by unlocking the potential of Wales ’s people”, said Dr Medwin Hughes, who would lead the new university. “The histories of both institutions have been intertwined since their inception in the early nineteenth century and this might be the time when these histories conjoin”. He continued “We are both very different institutions in ethos and in mission, but will bring our respective expertise and knowledge in different areas to create the new university which will focus on the needs of our communities as well as the wider needs of Wales in an international context. Our mutual compatibility augurs well for the new university in that we all bring considerable strengths and knowledge to the table”.

Alfred Morris, the University of Wales Lampeter’s Vice Chancellor said “This is a very important and exciting moment in the history of two very strong institutions. The combination of Trinity and Lampeter holds out the prospect of much more than the sum of the parts. Together the two institutions can provide the foundations for a new university rooted in South West Wales but enjoying an increasingly international reputation for student-centred teaching, scholarship, research and postgraduate study. That new university will seek to build further on existing partnerships with other institutions in Ceredigion, Carmarthenshire and beyond. I have no doubt that what is now proposed is in the best interests of staff, the local economy, and Wales. For the towns of Carmarthen and Lampeter and for those who live and work in and around them, this will protect jobs and attract substantial investment. Most importantly, these developments are in the best interests of present and future generations of students.”

Further Information

Eleri Beynon: 01267 676790 / 07968 249335
Dr Jane Norris-Hill: 01570 424799 / 07720 265151

Eleri Beynon
Press Office
(01267) 676767
e.beynon@trinitysaintdavid.ac.uk

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