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University of Bradford >> Library >> Special Collections >> The Ted Edwards Archive
Dr Ted Edwards was the first Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bradford. With his emphasis on values, practical knowledge, working across disciplines, and environmental issues, he shaped the University as we now know it.
Dr Edwards was born in Cardiff in 1914. His father was a militant worker in the shipyards; Ted himself was later to be known as "Red Ted" for his membership of the Communist Party until the 1950s and his radical views. Trained as a chemist, Ted moved into educational administration. He came to Bradford in 1957 as Principal of the Bradford Institute of Technology, one of the new colleges of advanced technology, and then steered the college towards University status, achieved in 1966.
Dr Edwards believed a University should not seek knowledge without also considering the benefits or dangers of that knowledge to society. He encouraged "interdisciplinary" courses, involved students in governing the University, and developed arts on campus. He took particular interest in Yugoslavia, encouraging tresearch and teaching about the region, and offering practical help to Skopje, twin city of Bradford, after the terrible earthquake in 1963. Dr Edwards retired in 1978, but continued to write about higher education and to work for peace and social change. He died in November 1996.
The Archive is an essential source for understanding the development of the University. It reflects Dr Edwards' time at Bradford and his post-retirement research and peace work. It includes:
Further information about the Archive:
For more details or to use the Archive, please contact Special Collections staff.
Photograph: detail from image of Ted Edwards with the University of Bradford Charter.
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