From Midwest to South: Jessica Edonick’s Journey to Trinity University

This summer, Trinity University welcomed a new addition to campus: Jessica Edonick, Ph.D., our new associate vice president for Student Affairs and dean of students. Having grown up in the Midwest and having lived in cities such as Philadelphia and Dijon, France, Edonick brings a wealth of experience and a passion for student engagement to the Trinity community. Her journey to San Antonio has been full of adventures, and she’s eager to connect with students and make a positive impact on campus life.

Edonick is originally from Mentor, Ohio, a charming town east of Cleveland on the shores of Lake Erie. Growing up with both parents as public school teachers, Edonick was surrounded by a strong emphasis on education. “My mom taught math, and my dad was an industrial arts teacher who later became a guidance counselor,” Edonick says. This environment played a crucial role in shaping her career as an educator.

Edonick’s academic journey is as diverse as her professional one. She received her bachelor’s degree in history from Miami University in Ohio, minoring in French and sociology, and initially dreamed of becoming a medieval historian. Her passion for history led her to study abroad in Dijon, France, an experience that nearly made her fluent in French. However, she eventually realized that she wanted to shape history, not just study it. This realization led her to switch paths toward higher education and counseling while at Western Michigan University, where she received her master’s degree in counselor education and counseling psychology.

Edonick’s career in higher education began at Drexel University in Philadelphia, where she worked with a diverse group of students, including commuters, transfers, online learners, and graduate students. This role gave her a comprehensive understanding of student affairs. Later, she became the dean of students at the Pennsylvania College of Art and Design (PCA&D), a micro college in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, with a strong focus on visual arts. There, she cherished the creative environment and the strong relationships she built with students and faculty. “It was magical because when all the students were working, there would just be this beautiful hum in the building,” Edonick says. “It was beautiful.”

From PCA&D, her journey took her to Illinois College in Jacksonville, Illinois, where she served as their dean of students before coming to Trinity. “This amazing opportunity became available here at Trinity, and my husband, Jason, has always wanted to live in Texas, so here we are,” Edonick says.

The Edonick family’s move to San Antonio marked a significant change from their previous lives in Ohio, Philadelphia, and Jacksonville, Illinois. “We’re definitely northerners getting used to the hotter temperatures and being active in these temperatures,” Edonick said. Her husband and their two boys, Danny and Jacob, have been adjusting to the new environment and exploring the city. Danny and Jacob are particularly excited about the city's vibrant culture and are looking forward to making new friends and joining local sports teams this upcoming school year. This summer, they have been exploring various parks, visiting local attractions, trying out new restaurants, and, most importantly, spending quality time together as a family.

Jessica Edonick (right) and her family are excited to explore San Antonio together.

Edonick is passionate about creating an inclusive and engaging environment for all students. As associate vice president for Student Affairs and dean of students, Edonick will ensure that students feel supported and have their needs represented, all with the aim of engaging with students and improving their experience here at Trinity. She firmly believes in the importance of being present and making every student feel seen and valued. “One thing that Trinity students will find is that I always say good morning and hello. I will look you in the eye and ask how your day is going,” Edonick says. Her goal is to ensure that no student ever feels unnoticed or unimportant.

Her commitment to student engagement is reflected in her hands-on approach.“I’m happy to show up for students in ways that are meaningful for them,” Edonick says. Whether it’s attending student organization meetings, residence hall functions, athletic events, or other campus events, Edonick is dedicated to being a visible and supportive presence on campus.

Using research, campus assessment tools, and theoretical student development models, Edonick uses data to tell a narrative about the student experience. Edonick has developed strategic initiatives to increase access to learning, tailor retention interventions, and cultivate a culture of belonging, inclusion, and engagement that enhances the student experience. At Vanderbilt University, Edonick received her doctorate in the leadership and learning in organizations program, focusing on neurodivergent graduate and professional students. Her research explored how faculty can better support neurodivergent individuals to succeed in their programs. At Illinois College, Edonick created an academic support program for neurodivergent students and is eager to continue this work at Trinity. “I’m excited to continue that conversation here at Trinity and do some more work around that,” Edonick says.

Edonick recognizes that student affairs evolve with society and that higher education plays a crucial role in driving social change. “Higher education is one of the foundational places where you see movements take place because those conversations are happening,” Edonick says.

She believes in creating a supportive environment where students can be their authentic selves and engage in meaningful discourse. As Edonick steps into her role at Trinity, she invites students to reach out and engage with her. “Invite me to your table,” Edonick says.

Edonick’s journey to Trinity is marked by a deep commitment to student engagement, advocacy, and creating inclusive environments for students. Her background, experiences, and passion for education make her a wonderful addition to our community. As she settles into her new role, Edonick looks forward to connecting with students, faculty, and staff, and being involved in campus life. With her warm personality and dedication to student success, Edonick is set to make a positive impact on our community.