Professor Sir Deian Hopkin

President of the National Library of Wales and former Vice-chancellor, London South Bank University 

Sir Deian Hopkin, a historian, was born in Llanelli, South Wales, and educated at the first ever Welsh-medium school in Wales. After a brief period teaching at Queen Mary College, London, he joined the Department of History at Aberystwyth where he taught for 24 years, becoming Head of Department and also tutoring at the Open University. In 1991 he joined what became London Guildhall University (now London Metropolitan University) where he became Vice-Provost in 1996. He went on to become Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive of London South Bank University in 2001. Actively involved in educational policy, Deian contributed to the government’s skills agenda over a number of years, co-chaired the HE Progression Board for the Department for Children, Schools and Families and was the HE Champion for the 14-19 Diploma. He has received academic honours from various institutions and was knighted in the 2009 Birthday Honours. He also has extensive broadcasting experience and was a member of the BBC General Advisory Council. Deian was appointed President of the National Library of Wales in 2011 after previously serving on the Library’s council. He became a Futureversity Patron in 2007.

‘In the 16 years since its foundation, Futureversity has made a huge difference to a vast number of young people who otherwise may not have been experienced what higher education can offer. As someone who was given every opportunity to participate in education at the highest level, including spending over 40 years teaching and managing in higher education,  I am very conscious of the need to ensure that everyone has the same opportunity. Through its rich range of courses, mentoring and advice, Futureversity is able to fulfil the real purpose of widening participation and I am proud, therefore, to be a Patron.’

 Professor Sir Deian Hopkin, December 2011