Professor Dame Elan Closs Stephens DBE has been appointed pro-chancellor of Aberystwyth University.

A graduate of Oxford’s Somerville College, Prof Dame Stephens is Emeritus Professor of Communications and Creative Industries at Aberystwyth University and former head of the department of the Theatre, Film and Television Studies.

She is currently the BBC Board member for Wales and the Electoral Commissioner for Wales.

Prof Dame Stephens will take up the role of pro-chancellor in January 2020 and succeeds Gwerfyl Pierce Jones who steps down in December 2019.

The honorary role of pro-chancellor at Aberystwyth centres on ambassadorial and ceremonial duties, including presiding over the University’s annual graduation ceremonies.

Lord Thomas of Cwmgïedd, chancellor of Aberystwyth University, said: “I am delighted to confirm the appointment of Elan Closs Stephens as pro-chancellor of Aberystwyth University.

"Elan has a wealth of experience not only in higher education and the creative industries but also in public administration and governance at the highest levels.”

In the Queen’s Birthday Honours, Prof Dame Stephens was awarded a CBE in 2001 for services to broadcasting and the Welsh language, and a damehood last month for services to the Welsh Government and broadcasting.

She also served as High Sheriff of the three counties of Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion 2012-13.

See this week’s south papers for the full story, available in shops and as a digital edition tomorrow