Troubled uni gets interim chief

Lampeter University is in talks about a possible merger

An ex-chairman of an NHS trust in Bristol has been appointed to turn around the fortunes of a troubled university in mid Wales.

Alfred Morris, also a former vice-chancellor of the University of the West of England, has taken over as the interim leader of Lampeter.

He replaces Robert Pearce whom, it has emerged, retired earlier this month after being on sick leave since July.

Last week, the university said it was in talks about a possible merger.

It is also understood officials have spoken to other higher education colleges about establishing closer ties.

In recent weeks, the university has had strike threats over redundancies, and there has been a review of its management and future.

'Exciting future'

Meanwhile, vice-chancellor Professor Pearce had been on sick leave.

His replacement, Mr Morris, was vice-chancellor of the University of the West of England in Bristol for 20 years, but left in 2006 to become the chairman of North Bristol NHS Trust.

Mr Morris said he was conscious Lampeter was one the most "senior institutions of higher education in England and Wales".

"It is a distinctive and important university with a long history, great strengths, and an exciting future," he added.

Lampeter University said Mr Morris would lead a review of the university's "vision, mission and strategy, including exploration of a range of strategic partnership possibilities".

University president R Brinley Jones said: "I regard the appointment of Alfred Morris as a coup for Lampeter.

"As one of the UK's longest serving vice-chancellors, a researcher into university planning and management, and a former senior management consultant, he has exactly the experience and skills we need as we begin our review of our vision, mission and strategy."

Mr Morris is also a former High Sheriff of Gloucestershire.