The vice-chancellor of Aberystwyth University is to step down at the end of the 2010-11 academic year.

Noel Lloyd, who has held the post since 2004, announced his intention to retire at a meeting of the university council yesterday.

Sir Emyr Jones Parry, university president, said he had “given long and distinguished service” to Aberystwyth and left it “well placed to face future challenges”.

The council began the process of appointing a successor to Professor Lloyd, who is also the current chair of ����Vlog Wales and vice-president of Universities UK.

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In a separate development, the acting chief executive at the University of Gloucestershire has been confirmed as its new vice-chancellor.

Paul Hartley will take on the role at the financially troubled institution from 1 August. His appointment follows the departure earlier this year of Patricia Broadfoot after disagreements between managers and unions about how to return the institution to financial health.

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A 2010-11 budget update discussed by Gloucestershire’s planning and resources committee in March said the university was “nearly £8 million adrift” of its target to reach a £2 million surplus by next year.

Dr Hartley, acting chief executive since the end of March, said: “The immediate task is to continue the disciplined approach to controlling costs, increasing income and ensuring students’ needs are met.”

john.gill@tsleducation.com