Brandi Jones Named as Inaugural Vice President for People, Culture, and Community

In March 2024, Dr. Brandi P. Jones joined the Trinity community as the inaugural vice president for Inclusive Engagement (VPIE). Since then, her role has evolved and broadened, and Trinity University president Vanessa B. Beasley, Ph.D. has announced Jones’ title change to vice president for People, Culture, and Community (VPPCC), effective September 1.

As VPPCC, Jones adds oversight of Human Resources to her portfolio, providing direction on the relationships between people and their work with the aim of facilitating individual and organizational success. This aspect of the VPPCC role is focused on the employee experience and the relationship between the University and its employees. Jones will support individual talent development and institutional structures and cultures that enable employees to do their best work in a welcoming environment. Jones’ leadership will strengthen Trinity’s employees, and as a result, enhance excellence in the workplace. Jones first gained interim oversight of HR in July 2024. 

“I’m looking forward to developing meaningful relationships and opportunities centered on employee success and intentional inclusion as the Vice President of People, Culture, and Community,” Jones says. “I am dedicated to supporting the people of Trinity and fostering a culture of enduring excellence across all areas of our community.”

Jones’ mission remains steadfast: to provide direction and oversight for campus-wide initiatives that promote intentional inclusion and a sense of belonging. Her responsibilities include strategic planning and implementation, community relations, policy development, addressing campus climate issues, and related communications. As VPPCC, she is focused on providing visionary, collaborative leadership to enhance the University’s mission by valuing differences, building trust, and providing opportunities for learning and listening throughout the internal and external communities.

“Dr. Jones' leadership as our inaugural Vice President of People, Culture, and Community reflects Trinity’s people-first community of learning. Her deep expertise and unwavering commitment to fostering a productive and vibrant campus community align with the university’s strengths, which are our people,” Beasley says. “With her guidance, Trinity will continue to serve as a national model for intentionally cultivating inclusion, respect, and empowerment within a diverse academic environment and workplace.”

Throughout her career, Jones has engaged in multiple initiatives designed to promote talent development among students, staff, and faculty, including college outreach programs like the Young Engineering & Science Scholars Program, Upward Bound, and the College Aspiration Partnership Program. She has also contributed to mentoring and service with the National Science Foundation, the American Society for Engineering Education, the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine, and the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education. Read more about Jones' expertise and experience.