Trinity University Announces Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students

Trinity University has named Jessica Edonick, Ph.D., as the associate vice president for Student Affairs and dean of students. Edonick will join the Trinity community in June 2024. Edonick has previously served in student-focused leadership roles at Drexel University, Pennsylvania College of Art and Design (PCA&D), and most recently Illinois College. Throughout her more than 20 years of experience, Edonick’s primary focus has been on the access, engagement, and retention challenges of students. Understanding the human experience has always been at the heart of what inspires Edonick to continuously learn, and has motivated her throughout her years working in higher education.

Using research, campus assessment tools, and theoretical student development models, Edonick uses data to tell a narrative about the student experience. Edonick has collaboratively developed strategic initiatives to increase access to learning, tailor retention interventions, as well as cultivate a culture of belonging, inclusion, and engagement that enhances the student experience. In her role at Trinity as the associate vice president for Student Affairs and dean of students, Edonick will work to support students, represent their needs, and address challenges they face, all with the aim of engaging students and improving their experience and well-being. 

“I am excited and grateful to add Jessica to the Trinity University community,” says Andrew Wells, Ph.D., vice president for Student Affairs. “She brings perspective, experience, and data-driven decision making to a role designed to help students succeed at every level. Jessica will undoubtedly be a valuable resource on campus for students, faculty, and staff alike.”

Edonick received her doctorate from Vanderbilt University in the leadership and learning in organizations program, where she further developed her understanding of the complexities of learning and a more sophisticated model of leadership. She received her master’s degree in counselor education and counseling psychology from Western Michigan University and her bachelor’s degree in history from Miami of Ohio.