SAN ANTONIO – Trinity University will have a new leader at the helm this spring. President Dennis Ahlburg is stepping down and is, in fact, already on sabbatical. That's opened the door for a new president, who is learning his way through San Antonio streets with purpose.
He's not just wearing the T-shirt, he's walking the walk, shoulder to shoulder, with the students he will soon lead.
Dr. Danny Anderson will soon become the 19th president of Trinity University. He said he is aiming at more diversity.
"At the MLK March I enjoyed meeting students from abroad who are studying at Trinity, and I hope that I have some opportunities to help strengthen those connections abroad for more students from Latin American and Spanish speaking countries to come to Trinity," Anderson said.
The Trinity Board of Trustees said it was a unanimous decision to bring Anderson on board -- not only for his leadership skills and experience, but also for his perspective.
Anderson, a Houston native, is a Spanish speaking expert on Latin America and Mexico.
"As a faculty member, having an opportunity to teach and do research on that really gives me a sense of appreciation, so I do hope that I have an opportunity to connect with many different groups in San Antonio," Anderson said. "I think Trinity has done a good job at being accessible to the community around it, to the state of Texas, but also bringing in a lot of students from across the country and around the world."
Trinity University will be celebrating its 150th anniversary in just a couple of years. The new president said it's not only going to be a big party, but it will be a big opportunity.
"It was founded in 1869. I'm looking at ways that you use that opportunity to build a new wave of support for the university," Anderson said. "(It) is going to be really essential as we look at how the university moves into the 21st century."