Ifor Leslie Evans (17 January 1897 – 31 May 1952) was a Welsh academic and Principal of
the University College of Wales Aberystwyth from 1934 until 1952.
Background
The son of Welsh musician
William John Evans
William John Evans (29 November 1866 – 12 December 1947) was a Welsh musician and composer, best known for his hymn-tunes.
Evans was born in Aberdare, and began his career as an apprentice to his father, a tailor who was also a musician. He ...
, Ivor Leslie Evans received his education at
Wycliffe College, Stonehouse before going on to study in France and Germany. While in Germany he was interned in
Ruhleben prison for the duration of the
First World War.
It was here that he learned
the Welsh language, and changed his name from Ivor to Ifor.
Following the war, and a brief foray into the Swansea coal trade, he went up to
St John's College, Cambridge
St John's College is a Colleges of the University of Cambridge, constituent college of the University of Cambridge founded by the House of Tudor, Tudor matriarch Lady Margaret Beaufort. In constitutional terms, the college is a charitable corpo ...
, where he took a first in history and economics. He was subsequently elected the Whewell Scholar of International law. While a Lecturer and Fellow at St John's from 1923 until 1934, he sat on the
League of Nations commission reporting on the economic circumstances of Austria, and also served on the staff of
The Economist.
Principal
In 1934, Evans succeeded Sir
Henry Stuart-Jones as Principal of the University College of Wales, Aberystwyth. The College underwent many development in the 18 years Evans was principal – the second longest term to date. The College debt he inherited was reduced substantially and benefactors were attracted. Furthermore, plans for building on the Penglais campus were realised: Pantycelyn opened in 1952, and a block in the Penbryn halls is named in his honour. He is also credited with strengthening relations between the staff and students at the College. He was actively involved with the
University of Wales, serving as Vice-Chancellor on three occasions, and chairing the
Press board and estates committee.
Offices held
References
{{DEFAULTSORT:Evans, Iforleslie
1897 births
1952 deaths
People educated at Wycliffe College, Gloucestershire
Alumni of St John's College, Cambridge
Vice-Chancellors of Aberystwyth University
People from Aberystwyth
Welsh scholars and academics