New Chair Appointed for ISWE Advisory Board

ISWE’s Advisory Board was established in 2016 and has since played a critical role in guiding and supporting the development of ISWE, and embedding the research centre as both a permanent fixture of Bangor University, and as a positive presence in the intellectual and cultural life of Wales.

The Advisory Board is an external body consisting of experts and community members who share a concern for the development of ISWE into a vigorous intellectual entity capable of making a positive difference to Welsh society and culture. The Board comprises a group of individuals whose expertise and skills align with ISWE’s interests – including historical and contemporary understandings of estates and country houses, archives, rural affairs and the cultural heritage of Wales.

The role of the Board is to provide a sounding board for ISWE’s long-term development and to offer insights and advice on matters relating to our public profile, stakeholder relations, intellectual identity and funding strategies. The Board meets about twice a year, with members acting as ambassadors for the centre in their spheres of influence.

Prof. Tully brings extensive academic expertise and leadership attributes to the role. Originally from Scotland, Carol has established an international reputation as a scholar in the area of European cultural and literary exchange in the nineteenth century. She was principal Investigator on the landmark AHRC-funded European Travellers to Wales project. 

Prior to her retirement in 2025 she served in several leadership roles at Bangor University, including as Pro-Vice Chancellor (for Students) from 2011-2020, Head of the School of Modern Languages from 2005-2011 and also Deputy Head of the College of Arts and Humanities. She has held several advisory roles with the AHRC and is a Liveryman of The Worshipful Company of Drapers, which has maintained a special philanthropic partnership with Bangor University for over a century.

Responding to the appointment, ISWE’s Director, Dr Shaun Evans commented that: ‘‘I’m delighted that Carol has agreed to join, lead and reshape the Board. She brings huge amounts of expertise, experience and energy to the role, and I’m tremendously excited about working with her to ensure that ISWE continues to thrive and develop into the next generation.’’

Work is already underway on an exciting new ten-year Strategic Plan, which will guide ISWE’s priorities and vision for the next decade.

Prof. Carol Tully is ambitious for the future of ISWE, saying that: ‘‘I am delighted to be taking on this role. Through ISWE, Bangor University is uniquely placed to work with heritage organisations and local communities to help us better understand the impact landed estates have had on both our built and natural environment, and in Welsh society and history more generally. ISWE has already achieved a great deal and, working with the University's dedicated Archives and Special Collections team, we are looking to develop further as a centre of excellence.’’

Carol succeeds Prof. Robin Grove-White in the position of ISWE Advisory Board Chair.  Robin played an integral role in the establishment and development of ISWE and everyone associated with the research centre would like to thank him for his immense contribution and continuing support. 

In welcoming Carol to the role, Robin commented that: ‘‘Professor Tully's experience and accomplishments fit her perfectly for this role on ISWE's behalf, as it moves into a promising, but also challenging, new phase. I trust she'll enjoy it as much as I have myself over the past decade.’’

We look forward to sharing our plans for developing and consulting on the new Strategic Plan over the coming months.