John Roland Lloyd Thomas

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Reverend Dr. John Roland Lloyd Thomas (1908-1984) was a noted Anglican clergyman, and later the Principal of St David's University College from 1953 to 1975. He was, himself, a graduate of St David's College, gaining a BA from the institution before completing an MA at Oxford, and as such, was the first Lampeter graduate to become Principal of the college.

During his years as principal, he led the college into membership of the federal University of Wales. Previous principals had fought to maintain the college's independence, and the move was not universally popular, but it ultimately proved to be a turning point in the college's history, and saved it from near-certain bankruptcy. He later wrote about these events in a book, Moth or Phoenix? St David’s College and the University of Wales and the University Grants Committee (ISBN 0-85088-503-5). The title parodies previous claims that the college was like a moth, burning its wings as it tried to escape the light of the University of Wales.

Lloyd Thomas' name lives on at the college in the residential Lloyd Thomas Hall and refectory.

Preceded by Henry Kingsley Archdall	Principal of St David's College 1953–1971	Succeeded by Position Discontinued
Preceded by New Position	Principal of St David's University College 1971–1975	Succeeded by Brinley Rees