Trefor Jones CBE vowed to uphold and strengthen Glyndŵr University’s proud community and business links as he was officially installed as the institution’s new Chancellor.
The former Lord Lieutenant of Clwyd and current chairman of St Kentigern Hospice took over the role from current Chancellor Sir Jon Shortridge at a ceremony in Wrexham’s St Mary’s Cathedral.
Mr Jones becomes Glyndŵr University’s third Chancellor, after Sir Jon and Lord Barry Jones, the institution’s Chancellor when it was created in 2008.
The post will see Mr Jones continue his long and distinguished history with Glyndŵr University, as a former student at Denbighshire Technical College and chair of the North East Wales Institute of Higher Education (NEWI).
Mr Jones said: “It’s an honour for me to follow such illustrious predecessors and I am indebted to their support, which has already been extensive.
“The university has grown beyond recognition to the institution’s predecessors which I’ve been involved with in Wrexham. The range of subjects on offer now could never have been contemplated when I was a student here in the 1950s.
“But the university’s real strength is its community focus and the contribution it makes to industry in the region.
“I couldn’t have joined at a more challenging time within higher education but we have still grown despite the recent challenges we have faced. I am honoured and delighted to become Glyndŵr University’s third Chancellor.”
The Chancellor role is an ambassadorial one which will see him preside over formal events, such as Graduation.
Mr Jones, who lives in St Asaph, is a former chief executive of Pilkington Optronics and holds a number of public appointments across North Wales.
Professor Graham Upton said: “Trefor Jones is a highly respected and well-known figure in the business community in North Wales and was the unanimous choice to become Glyndŵr University’s new Chancellor.
“Trefor cares deeply about the region and the University so we are honoured that he has taken on this important role.”
