Trinity University Announces New Trustee and Vice Chair

Carey Ann O’Connor ’93 will join the Trinity University Board of Trustees, and current Trustee Cydney Donnell ’81 will become its vice chair, the university announced today. 

“We are thrilled to welcome Carey to the Board,” said Trinity President Vanessa B. Beasley, Ph.D. “She brings deep expertise and valuable insights that will benefit Trinity and contribute to the success of our students, faculty, and staff. I am also delighted that Cydney will step into the role of vice chair. Her experience, wisdom, and steadfast commitment to Trinity have been a guiding force for our community. Together, these leaders embody the values and vision that will shape Trinity’s future.” 

O’Connor is an associate professor of practice at the LBJ School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin, where she teaches workforce development and education policy. Prior to teaching at UT, Carey spent 15 years at Flowserve Corporation, a global Fortune 500 manufacturer, where she served as the Chief Legal Officer. Throughout her career, Carey has been an advocate for helping companies create career pathways for young adults. She co-founded Dallas College Workforce Scholars, Dallas Thrives, and the DFW Regional Workforce Leadership Council, which she also chaired. She also partnered with Jobs for the Future, a national education nonprofit, to mobilize business leaders to develop talent management practices that promote equitable economic advancement for all employees. Carey received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Trinity, where she was a Student Senator, a Trinitonian photographer, and a member of Gamma Chi Delta. She is also a graduate of the University of Texas School of Law and the LBJ School of Public Affairs and the Harvard Advanced Leadership Initiative.

“We are honored to welcome Carey Ann O’Connor to the Trinity University Board of Trustees,” said Ted Beneski P’11, P’14, chair of the Board. “Carey brings deep expertise in workforce development, governance, and legal strategy. Her diverse professional background and commitment to civic engagement will bring fresh perspective and invaluable skills to our Board.”

Donnell has been a member of the Board of Trustees since 2019 and will now serve as vice chair, effective immediately. She also serves on the board of Pebblebrook Hotel REIT (real estate investment trust), a publicly traded owner of U.S. hotels. She is a professor emeritus and the former director of real estate programs at the Mays School of Business at Texas A&M. She holds a degree in finance from Texas A&M and received her MBA from Southern Methodist University. 

“I’m honored to step into the role of vice chair of the Board and to continue serving an institution that has meant so much to me,” Donnell said. “I’m deeply grateful for Ted’s steady and visionary leadership, which has positioned the Board—and the University—for continued success. I look forward to supporting Trinity’s strategic direction and working alongside my fellow trustees to ensure we deliver an exceptional educational experience for generations to come.”