Trinity University Names Inaugural Vice President for Inclusive Engagement

Trinity University has named Dr. Brandi P. Jones as its inaugural vice president for Inclusive Engagement (VPIE). Jones will join the Trinity community in March 2024 after previously serving in research and leadership roles at the University of Southern California (USC), Princeton University, Occidental College, and California Institute of Technology. A national thought leader in STEM education, Jones has focused much of her research on the experiences of minoritized communities in science and engineering, where her work has contributed to the creation of best practices for access, inclusion, and talent development. At Trinity, she will take on a new role designed to promote opportunities for learning among all members of the campus community as well as engagement within San Antonio and the region.

“I am beyond thrilled to join a university that is intentionally focused on inclusion,” Jones says. “This inaugural position signals Trinity’s commitment to living its values. President Beasley understands the interconnectedness of learning, policy, campus climate, communications, and community relations as central to inclusive engagement. Trinity University is perfectly positioned to gain national recognition for fostering a campus culture of inclusion and belonging for all of its students, staff, and faculty.”

As a member of Trinity’s Executive Leadership Team and reporting to the president, Jones will establish and implement a strategic framework for advancing the University’s value of intentional inclusion by building trust and providing opportunities for learning and listening throughout the campus community. Additionally, she will provide direction and oversight of campus-wide initiatives related to belonging, including those designed to strengthen community relations.

“Trinity University is known for creating outstanding leaders, and Dr. Jones, herself an experienced leader, will help us become even more effective at developing talent. Her research has received significant federal and private funding; she knows what works,” says Vanessa B. Beasley, Ph.D., Trinity University president. “As Trinity's first vice president for Inclusive Engagement, her title reflects the University’s core identity as a community of learning, where we all benefit from strengthening our skills and capacities, no matter what our individual backgrounds, beliefs, or roles on campus may be. For our students especially, the ability to engage meaningfully and purposefully with other members of groups, teams, and communities translates directly into leadership development.” 

Jones’ extensive experience proves she’s the perfect person to do just that. Prior to her most recent roles as research professor at USC Rossier School of Education and chief operational officer and chief of staff within USC’s Race and Equity Center, Jones served as vice dean for diversity and strategic initiatives and professor of engineering education at the USC Viterbi School of Engineering, where she worked with education, corporate, and community leaders. Before that, she served as associate dean in the School of Engineering and Applied Science at Princeton University, where she led efforts in student success as a member of the senior management team and dean’s executive council.

Throughout her career, Jones has been involved with college outreach programs such as the Young Engineering & Science Scholars Program, Upward Bound, and the College Aspiration Partnership Program. Additionally, she has dedicated mentoring and service to 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.

Jones received her doctorate in higher education management from the University of Pennsylvania, where she focused her research on Black students in highly ranked engineering Ph.D. programs at predominantly white universities. She received her master’s degree in student development in higher education from California State University, Long Beach, and her bachelor’s degree in communication studies from San José State University.