Thomas Francis Roberts

For other people named Thomas Roberts, see Thomas Roberts (disambiguation).

Dr T. F. Roberts Principal of University of Wales, Aberystwyth

Thomas Francis Roberts (1860–1919) was a Welsh academic and second Principal of the University College of Wales, Aberystwyth.

Born at Aberdyfi, he received his education at Tywyn and the UCWA before taking a scholarship to St John's College, Oxford, where he took a first in Classical honour moderations in 1881 and again in literae humaniores two years later. After receiving his Bachelor's degree in 1883, he became the first Professor of Greek at the newly established University College of South Wales and Monmouthshire.

In 1891 he succeeded Thomas Charles Edwards at his alma mater, University College Wales, Aberystwyth. He was a founder member, with T. E. Ellis, of the Aberystwyth Old Students' Association in 1892 and was later President in 1910–11.

To date, he is both the youngest-appointed and longest-serving Principal. He was also a key figure in developing the fledgling University of Wales, which was established in 1893.