Danny J. Anderson, Trinity University’s 19th President, will officially retire from Trinity on May 31, 2022. He leaves a significant legacy as a leader who helped Trinity prosper through challenging times. Under his guidance, Trinity is uniquely positioned to further enhance its reputation as one of the nation’s top liberal arts universities.
“President Anderson was the right leader at exactly the right time for Trinity University. His kind and calm demeanor helped build consensus and bring people together—whether they be faculty and staff, students, the Board of Trustees, or the greater Trinity community. Because of this, he was able to accomplish a great deal during his seven years as president,” says Trinity University Board Chair Melody Meyer ’79. “I wish Danny and Kimberly the best as they begin a new chapter in their lives.”
Anderson’s achievements are many, and all set Trinity on a course for enduring excellence as a nationally recognized liberal arts university. Anderson is credited with executing much of the University’s strategic plan, Trinity Tomorrow, which helped sharpen its institutional identity.
(left to right) Trinity Trustee Herb Stumberg '81, Jackie Moczygemba of the Ewing Halsell Foundation, Trinity President Danny Anderson, Trinity Vice President of Academic Affairs Megan Mustain, and Trinity student Maria Arteaga '22 officially reopen the Halsell Center with a ribbon cutting.
The new Dicke Hall has created state-of-the-art learning spaces for the humanities. Nearby Halsell Center was transformed into an equally impactful learning and teaching environment. And the adjoining Chapman Center, set to begin renovations in Fall 2022, is home to the newly named Michael Neidorff School of Business, a premier AACSB-accredited undergraduate business school. Both the Halsell and Chapman Centers are part of Trinity University’s National Historic District, which was established in 2018 to honor the work of mid-century modern architect O’Neil Ford.
“The spatial connection of the Chapman-Halsell-Dicke Complex embodies connections across humanities, business, and social science,” Anderson says. “This connection matters because it illustrates the unique interdisciplinary experience that energizes all disciplines at Trinity.”
President Anderson also appointed Trinity’s first Special Adviser for Inclusive Excellence, Juan Sepúlveda, who also leads the Inclusive Excellence Advisory Council. The group seeks to support an inclusive, culturally competent, and welcoming environment where all community members exercise radical empathy and nurture enduring relationships as outlined by Trinity University’s core value of intentional inclusion.
“The University is a place where differences of identities and viewpoints can and should be freely explored, rather than be censored or silenced,” Anderson says. “This freedom of speech may be uncomfortable at times, but dialogue is the pathway to growth and understanding. We can express differences without becoming divided, and inclusion reminds us of this ideal.”
Inclusivity is apparent in Trinity’s student profile: Today, 40% of Trinity’s student body comes from underrepresented backgrounds. Seven years ago, Trinity had fewer than 5,000 applications to become a first-year student, while this year the University received 11,000 applicants. The Class of 2026 collectively has a higher GPA and higher standardized test scores, and greater diversity than ever. Upon graduation, 98% of the Class of 2021 found employment, continued their education, or began military or volunteer service.
Trinity’s endowment, a critical resource for students, faculty, and strategic University endeavors, grew from $1.1 billion in 2015 to more than $1.7 billion in 2021. Trinity’s endowment allows access for students who otherwise could not afford a Trinity education, supports renowned faculty teaching and research, and promotes a student-centric, interdisciplinary, liberal arts-focused residential educational environment.
President Anderson recently made his final farewell to the Trinity Community. View a recording on YouTube.
“There is a positive energy that emanates from our campus that has the potential to move us forward in ways we might not even imagine,” Anderson says. “I am excited as I envision the opportunities for the 20th President of Trinity University to build upon the work we have accomplished together.”
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