PROFESSOR Elizabeth Treasure has begun work as the new vice-chancellor of Aberystwyth University.

Prof Treasure took up the role on Monday after leaving Cardiff University where she held the role of deputy vice-chancellor.

She takes over the reins after Prof April McMahon stood down last year, with Prof John Grattan filling in as acting vice-chancellor.

Prof Treasure holds a BDS in dental surgery and a PhD from the University of Birmingham.

In 2010, Prof Treasure became the first woman to be appointed deputy vice-chancellor at Cardiff University.

Prof Treasure said it is “an honour and a privilege” to start her new role.

“Aberystwyth University has a long and proud tradition of excellence in teaching, research and student experience,” she said.

“It is my aim to build on these strong foundations, working with both the public and business sectors to help drive forward the economic and educational impact of the institution.”

Here she answers key questions about her new job and her outlook for the university.

CN: What made you apply for and ultimately accept the job at Aberystwyth?

ET: Before applying for the job, I spent a weekend in Aberystwyth walking around the town and the campus soaking in the atmosphere. Walking from Old College to Penglais Campus, looking at the old and the new while seeing lots of sporting activity and the community using the Arts Centre really enthused me as to what an exciting role this would be.

CN: Welsh language provision is something very important to a lot of students at the university. Do you share the university’s hopes of re-opening Pantycelyn halls despite the cost?

ET: I share the university’s hopes of re-opening Pantycelyn as a first-rate hall of residence for Welsh-speaking students in September 2019. In the meantime, we are continuing with other key elements of the project so that construction work can start in 2018 once suitable finance has been identified. The university has a long-standing commitment to excellent Welsh-medium provision at undergraduate and postgraduate level, and this has not changed.

Read the full interview in this week’s Cambrian News, in shops and online now