The Venerable Randolph Thomas Awarded Honorary Doctorate by UWTSD

The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) is proud to announce that the Venerable Randolph Thomas has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate. 

The presentation took place during today’s (9 July) graduation ceremony in Carmarthen, where Randolph Thomas was presented with this esteemed recognition by UWTSD Vice Chancellor Elwen Evans KC.

In presenting the award, Vice Chancellor Elwen Evans KC stated, “As Vice Chancellor, it gives me immense pleasure to present the Venerable Randolph Thomas for the degree of Doctor of Divinity Honoris Causa. A former Chair of the Councils of the University of Wales Trinity Saint David and the University of Wales, Randolph has worked tirelessly on behalf of both institutions, through what has been an immensely challenging period for the higher education sector in Wales. I’m delighted that we have an opportunity today to acknowledge his exceptional commitment, leadership, and service to both Councils and the wider UWTSD Group.”

Born and bred in Llangennech, Randolph’s values and heritage are deeply rooted in his character. Educated at Llanelli Grammar School for Boys and at St David’s College, Lampeter, which now forms part of this University, Randolph graduated with a degree in divinity. With the blessing of the Archbishop of Canterbury, he became the youngest priest ever, at 22 years of age, to be ordained within the Church in Wales.

After curacies in Kidwelly and Carmarthen, Randolph became Team Vicar of Aberystwyth from 1976 to 1981 and later vicar of Betws-cum-Ammanford from 1981 until 1993 and St Peter’s Church in Carmarthen between 1993 and 1996. He was then appointed Canon of St David’s Cathedral and, in 2002, became Archdeacon of Brecon, a role he served until 2013.

Randolph’s upbringing in Llangennech instilled in him a strong sense of social justice. A dedicated advocate for community support, he has contributed significantly to various organisations, including founding Cartrefi Cymru Housing Association for people with additional needs, serving as Chair of the Gwalia Housing Group, establishing Family Centres in Llanelli, Carmarthen, and Brecon, and initiating the Amman Business Initiative to support communities affected by coal mine closures in the mid-eighties.

In 2014, Randolph was appointed Chair of Council of the University of Wales Trinity Saint David and, three years later, took on the additional role of Chair of the University of Wales. He served both institutions with distinction until his retirement from both positions in August 2023. His governance duties, keen interest in curriculum developments, and dedication to the overall student experience have been invaluable to the University.

Vice Chancellor Elwen Evans KC added, “Although his period as Chair came to an end as I began my term as Vice Chancellor, I’m very aware of Randolph’s unstinting efforts on behalf of this institution throughout the last decade and beyond. He worked closely with my predecessor, Professor Medwin Hughes, to establish a new university for Wales along with a new education model for the South West Wales region. Randolph was also appointed one of the first directors of the National Centre for Learning Welsh, a role that he has undertaken with great passion and dedication.”

A keen sportsman, Randolph has a strong affinity for the Scarlets rugby team and Liverpool Football Club. He was known as a competitive player in his day, excelling in both rugby and cricket.

Randolph’s leadership, commitment to service, and support for his colleagues are well known. He is celebrated not only for his professional accomplishments but also for his kind, generous, and compassionate nature.

Upon receiving the award, Randolph Thomas said, “It is a great honour for me to be here with you today to receive this doctorate.

I must offer a tribute to somebody who is not here and was the foundation and a supporter and encourager throughout my life, my late wife. She was an inspiration. She was a great support whose values transformed my life and the life of our family. I wouldn’t be standing here today receiving this doctorate without her tremendous support and encouragement.

To you graduands, you start on your journey as graduates of this university – what a privilege for you but what a privilege for us also. 

It’s a great joy to be a part of this university and as you go and start your careers I wish you every success. I also wish the new vice chancellor, my successor as chair and the academic staff here every success in future because what matters to me more than anything is to see this university grow, influence and transform lives.”

Vice Chancellor Evans concluded, “It is with great pride that I present the Venerable Randolph Thomas to receive the degree of Doctor of Divinity Honoris Causa.”

Further Information

Arwel Lloyd

Principal PR and Communications Officer    
Corporate Communications and PR    
Email:  arwel.lloyd@uwtsd.ac.uk    
Phone: 07384 467076