Trinity University Announces Director for Student Inclusion and Belonging

Trinity University has named Alicia Moreno, Ph.D. (they/she), as the new director for Student Inclusion and Belonging. As part of a minor reorganization within Student Affairs, the previous office of Student Inclusion, Belonging, and Engagement (SIBE) is now divided into two distinct offices: Student Inclusion and Belonging (SIB), which will be led by Moreno, and Student Engagement and Development (SED), which will be managed by Wills Brown, M.Ed.

SIB will focus on inclusion and equity programming, orientation and transition initiatives; partnerships with San Antonio agencies for events like the Martin Luther King Jr. and Cesar E. Chavez marches; and advising and support for the Trinity Diversity Connection organization. Meanwhile, SED will focus on Fraternity and Sorority Life, the Student Programming Board, registered student organizations, and the Coates Student Center.

Moreno will join the Trinity community on August 12 and brings a wealth of experience, expertise, and passion to her new role. A native of San Antonio’s Westside and an alum of Kennedy High School, Moreno’s journey in higher education is deeply rooted in her own experiences as a first-generation, low-income student. Her connection to Trinity is further strengthened by her TRiO background, starting with Upward Bound on our campus, highlighting her long-standing ties to our community.

“Dr. Moreno brings a wealth of experience and a student-centered approach to their new role,” says Andrew Wells, Ph.D., the vice president of Student Affairs. “As we welcome Dr. Moreno to Trinity University, we are excited about the fresh perspectives and innovative ideas they will bring to our community.”

Moreno joins us from the University of Texas at Austin, where they directed impactful programs such as Monarch, which supported undocumented and mixed-status students, and the Global Leadership and Social Impact program, which aimed to broaden study abroad access for underserved students.

Moreno received her doctorate and Master of Education in educational leadership and policy from the University of Texas at Austin. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of North Texas. Outside of their professional life, Moreno enjoys hiking, rock climbing, kayaking, and traveling, with a particular passion for exploring national parks and hiking mountains worldwide.

As we turn the page on a new chapter in Student Affairs, Trinity would like to take a moment to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of Catherine Fragoso, M.S., who has served as the interim director of Student Inclusion, Belonging, and Engagement since July 2023. Over the past year, Fragoso has played a pivotal role in shaping the student experience at Trinity University. Trinity is grateful for Fragoso’s significant contributions and the positive mark she has left on our community.

“From overseeing new student orientations and senior week celebrations to guiding cultural and heritage programming, advising our Fraternity and Sorority Life, and leading the Student Programming Board, Cat's impact has been deeply felt across campus,” Wells says.