Center for Student Advocacy and Community Appoints Beau Trent-Pierce as New Associate Director

DSA News
June 06, 2025

The Center for Student Advocacy and Community (CSAC) at the University of Houston is excited to welcome Beau Trent-Pierce (she/they) as its new associate director. Trent-Pierce brings extensive professional experience in higher education, particularly in student advocacy, community-building, essential needs of student services, and crisis support. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Higher Education from Texas Tech University, anticipated in June 2027.

Trent-Pierce’s background includes impactful roles such as manager of Student Transitions & Leadership at Southwestern University, where she worked with a team to develop and launch a 4-year co-curricular student experience program that increased student participation in leadership development by 26%. At Austin Community College, as Student Life Coordinator, she oversaw the Riverside Campus Food Pantry, worked with community organizations to provide students with nutritious food and health education, and managed departmental operations. Further demonstrating her commitment to student success and wellbeing, Trent-Pierce developed and implemented the Student Accommodation Statement at Southwestern University, streamlining access to accommodations and improving accessibility for students with disabilities across all campus departments. Her dedication to data-informed practices is evidenced by her involvement with the creation of campus climate surveys and her leadership as Student Affairs Division Lead Assessment Chair, overseeing assessment for nine departments to improve student services and success rates.

Michael Crook, director of the Center for Student Advocacy and Community stated, “From our first meeting, Beau demonstrated a strong commitment to student support and advocacy. It was clear to me that she understood the complexities of the student experience and was willing to put in the work to get them the support they need. Additionally, in every interview, students and staff alike found her to be relatable, intelligent, and they appreciated that she was willing to help with the daily physical duties of the Cougar Cupboard as much as the administrative duties. We were also aligned on key strategic priorities for the department, and I could easily see making meaningful contributions as a member of the leadership team.”

During the selection process, Trent-Pierce’s genuine passion and optimistic approach resonated strongly with student leaders. Kevin Key, a marketing intern and student employee, shared, “As the person responsible for capturing [the student] responses after Beau’s, [interview with student leaders] session, I can personally attest that one word echoed consistently throughout their remarks—one quality that stood above all others: Genuineness.” Students also noted her realistic understanding of departmental operations and expressed confidence that her experience with data-informed decision making could elevate CSAC’s impact. Her approach to student advocacy is also influenced by restorative justice principles, which she has integrated into student conduct processes.

In her new role as Associate Director, Trent-Pierce has already begun engaging with the team and familiarizing herself with the Center's operations. Reflecting on her goals, she stated, “At CSAC, I want every student who walks through our doors to feel heard, supported, and empowered. College can be tough, and no one should have to navigate it alone. My goal is to break down barriers, build community, and make sure students have what they need to succeed—both in and out of the classroom.”

The CSAC team is confident that Beau Trent-Pierce’s experience, student-centered approach, and collaborative spirit will significantly contribute to the future of important essential needs and community-building services on the University of Houston campus.

See Beau Trent-Pierce’s Bio Here: https://www.uh.edu/csac/about/staff/beau-trent-pierce/

More about the Center for Student Advocacy and Community:

The Center for Student Advocacy and Community (CSAC) reduces barriers that inhibit academic and personal success by identifying areas of need, providing connections to resources, and supporting student-led programs and initiatives that strengthen our community. They envision a future where every student feels like a valued member of the UH community, has their essential needs addressed, and is supported to achieve their academic and personal goals. More information can be found at uh.edu/csac/.

Written by Michael Crook, Director of the Center for Student Advocacy and Community – Student Affairs in collaboration with Kevin Key, a Center for Student Advocacy and Community Marketing Intern and Student Employee.