This year Trinity University brought on Jessica Edonick, the new associate vice president for Student Affairs and dean of students. From the rich history and culture around San Antonio to the persevering nature of Trinity students, Dean Edonick is getting to experience firsthand what sets our school apart. Edonick said she has been enjoying her inaugural year at Trinity.
So, why Trinity? What drew you in?
“Trinity has a great reputation nationally. I’m coming from Illinois at a smaller liberal arts school, and when you’re focused in the liberal arts world, you’re very aware of what the high caliber schools are. So Trinity had been on my radar. This is an opportunity that presented itself. So when it presented itself, I talked to my family … and they were like ‘yes let’s go.’”
Tell me more about your family. Have they been enjoying San Antonio and everything it has to offer?
“My husband is Jason and my boys are Danny and Jacob. They love video games so getting them out of the house can be challenging, but they love athletics and they love adventure. So we’ve been able to go to Six Flags and Seaworld and the zoo. Danny, my oldest, loves history, so we’ve already visited the Alamo … they also like to try different restaurants so we’ve been trying out all over the city. We’re a little bit of foodies.”
Do you have a favorite restaurant that you have discovered so far?
“They love this place called Izumu … it’s hibachi. It’s all you can eat so they order all these different things, and my youngest son has found a love for sushi. We were so surprised but my husband will order something and [Jacob] will eat half of it.”
Speaking about Trinity again, what stood out to you upon first seeing campus?
“Everyone — the staff at Trinity and the students of Trinity — were warm, bright, thoughtful, creative, intentional … It’s completely student centered. Every conversation you have is about ‘How do we do better for the students?’ and that really resonated with me. And then in meeting with students, the students I’ve been engaging with are curious. They want to learn. They want to have great careers. They’re ambitious. They have direction. They’re working on purpose … that’s brave and courageous to do that.”
What can you share about some of the construction happening on campus?
“The esplanade is going to be an incredible space. That’s another moment where the university said ‘We want to create more spaces for students to come together in community that are accessible, that are welcoming, that are inclusive, that celebrates our community … We want to invest in those types of spaces and places on campus.’ The esplanade project presented itself as another opportunity to say, ‘Students we hear you and we want to create this amazing space for you.’ And I know it’s a little painful right now … It sounds like aliens are landing outside … but it’s a little pain point to have something that’s going to be incredible for our communities. It’s like when you’re getting in shape — there’s a little pain in the beginning but that’s where we’re at, we’re trying to get in shape.”
If you could impart any piece of advice to the student body what would it be?
“I would say be kind to yourself and others. Challenge yourself to explore every opportunity that’s presented to you — maybe not always take it but at least explore it. And give yourself and others some grace as we all figure out how to navigate this messy thing called life.”