Trinity University Added Three New Faculty Members

The professors joined the San Antonio institution in fall 2026 to launch new undergraduate curricula.

Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Language Learning

Trinity University Added Three New Faculty Members

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Trinity University expanded its academic staff by hiring three new professors in fall 2026. These faculty members are now integrating their research into the school's teaching programs.

Why it matters

By bringing on experienced scholars from diverse institutions, the university aims to modernize its course offerings and deepen undergraduate research opportunities. The new hires are actively designing specialized content that leverages their expertise for the benefit of the student body.

Trinity University added 3 new faculty members across the modern languages, classical studies, and English departments. These appointments mark a significant expansion of the university's teaching staff for the current academic cycle.

The players

Trinity University

This private liberal arts university is located in San Antonio and serves as the primary site for these new academic appointments.

Cristina Vázquez

A professor in the department of modern languages and literature, she previously held academic positions at Santa Clara University, UCLA, and UC Davis.

Allie Pohler

A member of the department of classical studies, she previously taught at the University of Cincinnati, the University of Kansas, and Kansas State University.

Kersti Francis

A professor in the English department, she brings experience from previous faculty roles at UCLA, Boston University, and Harvard University.

The details

Cristina Vázquez, Allie Pohler, and Kersti Francis are developing courses for the spring 2027 semester that incorporate their prior academic research. Vázquez is creating a digital mapping course focused on San Antonio, while Francis intends to lead the English department book club.

Professors began their first year teaching at Trinity University in fall 2026.
New courses will be offered to students in spring 2027.

Culture Shift

These appointments reflect a broader trend in higher education where universities prioritize the integration of specialized research into undergraduate curricula. This shift moves away from traditional lecture-based models toward experiential learning, such as Vázquez's planned digital mapping initiative.

Students at Trinity University can expect new, research-driven course offerings beginning in the spring 2027 semester. These classes provide undergraduates with unique opportunities to engage in specialized studies, such as local digital mapping and classical history.

The takeaway

The addition of new faculty members brings fresh perspectives and specialized research capabilities to the San Antonio campus. Students should review upcoming course catalogs to take advantage of these new academic opportunities during the spring semester.