Lifetime contribution to Welsh history recognised with Honorary Doctorate for Catrin Stevens
The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) has conferred the Honorary Doctorate Degree upon Catrin Stevens in recognition of her outstanding contribution to Welsh history, education, research, and community life.
The honorary degree was awarded during the University’s graduation ceremonies, celebrating Catrin’s lifelong commitment to advancing understanding of Wales’s history and heritage, and her exceptional contribution to Welsh cultural and educational life.
A distinguished historian, author, researcher and community leader, Catrin Stevens has dedicated her career to deepening knowledge of Welsh history and making it accessible to audiences of all ages and backgrounds. She is recognised nationally for her pioneering work in the history of Welsh women, Welsh folklore studies, and the promotion of Welsh history through education, publishing and public engagement.
Born in Llanon, Ceredigion, Catrin studied Welsh and Welsh History at Bangor University, graduating with First Class Honours before completing a Master’s degree by research and a Diploma in Education. Although educated at several institutions within the University of Wales, her professional career became closely associated with Trinity College Carmarthen, where she progressed from Lecturer and Senior Lecturer to Head of Humanities and later Head of the School of Welsh History and History.
Throughout her academic career, Catrin inspired generations of students to develop a deeper appreciation of Welsh history and identity. Her scholarship has combined academic rigour with a commitment to sharing knowledge beyond the university sector, ensuring that Welsh history reaches new and diverse audiences.
Before joining Trinity College Carmarthen, Catrin taught Welsh and conducted pioneering research into the slate industry of Pembrokeshire, leading a number of local heritage projects. Her subsequent work with the Welsh Folk Museum established her as a leading authority on Welsh customs and traditions. Her influential publications on life-cycle traditions and courtship customs helped preserve and interpret important aspects of Welsh cultural heritage, with her book Welsh Courting Customs widely regarded as a landmark work in the field.
Catrin’s contribution to the development of Welsh women’s history has been particularly significant. Through her pioneering oral history research and her role as a founding member of the Women’s Archive of Wales, she has helped transform understanding of the experiences, achievements and voices of women throughout Welsh history.
Over many years, she has secured funding for and led major research projects that have expanded knowledge of women’s history in Wales. These include Wales Women’s History Roadshows, Voices from the Factory Floor, Women in World War One, Century of Hope, Setting the Record Straight: Women in Welsh Politics, and most recently Women in Sport: Wales.
Her work has also been instrumental in commemorating the centenary of the Welsh Women’s Peace Petition of 1923–24, helping to uncover and document the stories of the hundreds of women who gathered almost 400,000 signatures in support of world peace. Through meticulous research and public engagement, she has ensured that this remarkable chapter of Welsh history has gained the recognition it deserves.
Alongside her academic achievements, Catrin has made an exceptional contribution to civic and community life in Wales. She has served as Chair of Mudiad Meithrin, Chair of Merched y Wawr, Chair of the Welsh Schools Heritage Awards, and has undertaken numerous leadership roles in organisations dedicated to promoting Welsh language, culture, heritage and education.
A prolific author of more than 100 publications, including scholarly works, educational resources, and books for children and young people, Catrin has played a major role in bringing Welsh history to wider audiences and ensuring that future generations understand and value their heritage.
The honorary degree was presented by Dr Lowri Lloyd.
Presenting the honorary degree, Dr Lloyd said:
“It’s my very great honour this morning to present the historian and former colleague - Catrin Stevens - to the Degree of Doctor of Letters, D.Litt, of the University of Wales Trinity St David.
As once a young, lecturer in this University, having Catrin as a personal mentor when I was appointed here was nothing but a privilege. Professionalism, diligence, cadernid tawel, dedication and care for her students and colleagues are only some of the principles that I witnessed at first hand.
It would also be amiss of me not to mention the fact that Catrin has published over one hundred scholarly, highly-esteemed publications. Finally, and I could go on, it is also impossible to conclude this presentation without mentioning Catrin’s immense contribution to the work of celebrating the Century of the Welsh Women’s Peace Petition (1923-24).
In a nutshell, Catrin is, in my opinion, one of the most important historians of Welsh history - in Wales’ history, and it’s a privilege to present her to this, or rather, to Her University today.”
Honorary degrees are among the highest distinctions awarded by UWTSD and recognise individuals whose achievements have made an exceptional contribution to society, scholarship, culture, or public life.
Through her scholarship, leadership, public service and tireless advocacy for Welsh history and culture, Catrin Stevens has transformed understanding of Wales’s past and inspired generations to engage with, preserve and celebrate their heritage. Her work has left a lasting legacy for Welsh historical scholarship and public life.
Further Information
Arwel Lloyd
Principal PR and Communications Officer
Corporate Communications and PR
Email: arwel.lloyd@uwtsd.ac.uk
Phone: 07384 467076