Vanessa Beasley, President, Trinity University
In an interview with Invest:, Trinity University President Vanessa Beasley underscored the school’s rising trajectory, citing a 19-spot leap in U.S. News rankings as proof that “students from all income levels are succeeding at the same rate.” She also emphasized San Antonio’s growth and collaborative spirit as key to Trinity’s strategic position in a changing higher ed landscape.
What does being recognized as San Antonio’s Top Woman Leader for 2025 mean to you as Trinity’s president?
It’s a nice honor, though I’m not entirely sure how these recognitions are decided. I’m just really proud to be the leader of Trinity at a critical time in its history. We’re doing so many things right, and we’re getting a lot of attention for it. The achievements happening among our faculty, staff, and students make me proud every day.
What makes San Antonio the right environment for Trinity to thrive?
We believe San Antonio reflects what the United States will look like in 10 years. The city is booming, both demographically and economically. It’s also a collaborative environment for higher ed — public and private institutions are united in showing that San Antonio is a great place to learn, live, and work. Trinity is the only private liberal arts school in the region offering a residential undergraduate experience, which means our students live and learn on campus in a close community with each other and our faculty.
Why is now a pivotal time for higher education, and how is Trinity responding?
We’re facing what’s called the demographic cliff — the number of 17- and 18-year-olds entering college is declining. That’s due to birth rates from nearly two decades ago. The competition for students is intensifying nationally. But here in Texas, especially in San Antonio, the population and economy are growing. So, we’re in a strong position to attract students who want to be part of a dynamic, forward-moving city and university.
What recent milestones best reflect Trinity’s trajectory and student success?
One of our proudest moments this past year was moving up 19 spots in the U.S. News & World Report rankings, from 59 to 40. That’s one of the biggest jumps in our sector. It reflects that our students from all income levels are succeeding at the same rate. That’s a direct reflection of our commitment to access and excellence.
How is Trinity preparing students for the evolving demands of the workforce?
Our graduates leave with more than technical know-how. They can lead, communicate, and collaborate with people who have different views. These are the skills that today’s employers need. They’re prepared to sit at the table and contribute meaningfully to decision-making processes. Up to one-third of our graduates stay in San Antonio any given year, contributing their talent to the local economy right away.
What kinds of partnerships help you connect students with career experiences?
Internships are no longer a bonus; they’re essential. We have strong partnerships with major local employers like USAA, Frost Bank, and H-E-B, but also across the nonprofit sector. Many of our students intern in San Antonio and in cities like Houston and Dallas through our alumni network. We also support summer research experiences — on campus with faculty or off campus in science and humanities research roles. Internships used to be “nice to have,” but we now see them as critical to student success.
Which academic programs or sectors are driving the strongest demand for your graduates?
Education, accounting, and healthcare administration stand out. We have graduate programs in all three areas. Our Master’s in Accounting has a 100% placement rate. Our MHA program places graduates in operational roles at hospitals nationwide. Our undergraduate business school — the Neidorff School of Business — was just ranked 27th in the country. Overall, 98% of our students are employed or in grad school within six months of graduation.
How is Trinity making college more affordable while ensuring long-term value for students?
About 97% of our students receive some form of financial aid. A large portion of that is institutional, meaning scholarships that come from Trinity. We work hard to raise those funds through philanthropy. Half of our students graduate with no debt, and the other half graduate with significantly less than the national average. That, combined with our 98% outcomes rate, shows a strong return on investment.
How are you approaching technological change, particularly AI?
We’re embracing it. AI is being taught in computer science and beyond — in communication, where students learn AI literacy, and in philosophy, where they explore ethics, and across many other disciplines, including computer science. Our goal is for students to become thoughtful consumers and users of AI who understand its impact and potential.
What will your upcoming role on the NAICU board mean for Trinity and the broader liberal arts sector?
Starting in July, I’ll join other presidents of private liberal arts institutions to advocate for our sector. We’ll work to ensure policies support our mission, which is to teach students how to learn, to solve problems, and to prepare for a future that will look different from today. We also want to show that our students graduate with lower debt and strong outcomes.
How does your strategic plan reflect Trinity’s commitment to growth and impact?
We’ve just launched a new strategic plan and entered the public phase of a comprehensive campaign. We want people to see our vision, how we’re investing in it, and how they can join us. Our plan focuses on affordability, access, and excellence, making sure students get the education they need and the support necessary to thrive. That includes creating new spaces for community gathering and preserving our beautiful campus.
What are your main goals for Trinity in the next few years, and how will they shape the university’s future?
We’re focused on four main areas: student-centered education, experiences outside the classroom like leadership development and internships, our physical campus, and our role in the San Antonio community. We want to be a true anchor institution, benefiting not just our students, but also the city around us.
