The title of ‘Professor of Practice’ is bestowed upon an individual to honour and recognise that person for having attained academic and/professional distinction in those disciplines which are aligned with the strategic intentions of the university.
Pedr ap Llwyd is Chief Executive and Librarian, National Library of Wales. He was appointed to the post in 2019 after four years as Director of Collections and Public Programmes (2015-2019) and previously Secretary and Director of Governance between 2003-2015. He was Deputy Director of the Books Council of Wales from 1990 to 2003.
A native of Penrhyndeudraeth, he was educated at the University of North Wales Bangor / Bangor University where he gained BA, DET and MA degrees. He has professional qualifications in HR from the University of South Wales and Public Governance. He is a Fellow of the Learned Society of Wales, non-executive director of Coleg Cymraeg cenedlaethol and and a member of the Wales committee of the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Professor Medwin Hughes (L) with Pedr ap Llwyd FLSW (R)
In his role as Chief Executive and Librarian, he led one of Wales' most important institutions through the pandemic period and gained recognition for his inspirational leadership in driving a transformational strategy for the Library. In January 2023, he was named one of the 100 Changemakers by the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales. Under his leadership the Library has seen significant development such as the establishment of the Wales Broadcast Archive. In this year’s National Eisteddfod he will be honoured by the Gorsedd for his contributions to the culture of Wales and the Welsh language.
His fields of expertise are Librarianship, Information Management, Archives, Education, Research, Heritage, Public Policy and Public Sector Leadership.
Professor Pedr ap Llwyd said:
“I’m delighted to have been appointed Professor of Practice and I hope that my professional background in the fields of governance, leadership and the heritage sector more broadly can bring additional value to the close collaboration that exists between us as national institutions”.
Professor Medwin Hughes, DL, CBE Vice-Chancellor said :
“I’m very pleased to welcome Pedr ap Llwyd to the University as Professor of Practice. I’m confident that his significant expertise and experience will be an important asset as our institutions build upon the special relationship that we have between us. Pedr is well-known and highly respected in Wales and has done so much work to promote the values that our institutions share”.
Vice-Chancellor Designate, Professor Elwen Evans KC said:
“I very much look forward to working with Pedr ap Llwyd as Professor of Practice at UWTSD and as the leader of a national institution whose commitment to serving Wales is deeply rooted. The National Library is indeed a Library for Wales and the World”.
