Trinity University is excited to announce the selection of Andrew M. Wells, Ph.D., as its new vice president for Student Affairs. After a national search, Wells was appointed by Vanessa B. Beasley, Ph.D., president of Trinity. The appointment is effective Aug. 1, 2023.
Wells will lead all areas of the Student Life division, continuing Trinity’s mission to support all students, facilitate opportunities for students to grow and learn, and help students become critical thinkers and lifelong learners. Wells will work closely with campus members to advance the University by fostering a culture of engagement, enthusiasm, and encouragement for Trinity’s students. He will also be involved in the upcoming strategic planning process regarding the programmatic vision for the division.
“I am thrilled to be joining the Trinity community later this summer,” Wells says. “As a career student affairs educator, I know the power of partnerships across campus with students, faculty, and staff, and I'm ready and eager to build those relationships and move forward together.”
Wells currently serves as the associate dean of students at Macalester College in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Wells received his M.Ed. in higher education and student affairs from the University of Vermont and his Ph.D. in college student affairs administration from the University of Georgia.
“Dr. Wells comes to us from one of the top-ranked liberal arts institutions in the country,” Beasley says. “We are excited about the student-centered leadership and new ideas he will bring as we work to create the best campus environment possible for all of our students.”
Wells succeeds Sheryl Tynes, Ph.D., who returns to the faculty of the Department of Sociology and Anthropology after serving as the vice president for Student Life for seven years.
To assist in this leadership transition, Gilbert Hinga, Psy.D., has been selected as the interim vice president for Student Affairs. Hinga joined Trinity on May 10, bringing his deep expertise in Student Affairs to lead the Student Life team while providing a smooth transition for Wells. With more than 20 years of experience in Student Affairs at both private and public universities, and as a member of the Registry for College and University Presidents, Hinga is adept at promoting student life and facilitating leadership transitions.
As part of the transition, Hinga will coordinate with Wells to establish the groundwork for a strategic planning process that will focus significantly on the mission and work of Trinity's Student Affairs team.
As Trinity welcomes Hinga and Wells to campus, the University says farewell to Demi Brown, associate vice president for Student Life and dean of students, who decided to step down from his position to pursue other opportunities effective May 2, 2023. Brown has been an integral part of the Trinity community during his tenure and he is wished the best as he embarks on a new chapter.
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