Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. President | St. John's University website

Terryl L. Brown, Esq., has joined St. John’s University as its new General Counsel, bringing a background that spans public and private sectors, city and state government, and higher education. She began her role in early July at the university’s Queens campus.

Brown is recognized for her commitment to education and faith. “I’m still a Catechist, and this year I am teaching Confirmation candidates,” she said. She also serves as a lector at Sunday Mass.

Born in East Harlem and raised in Tribeca, Brown is the youngest of six daughters. Her father chose her name believing his sixth child would be a boy; the name remained even after another daughter was born.

Brown holds degrees from Pace University (bachelor’s), the University of Pittsburgh (J.D., M.B.A.), Villanova University (master’s in church management), and completed an advanced finance program at the University of Pennsylvania. She is currently pursuing a Master of Arts degree in Theology at St. John’s.

She is also active with Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated—a historically Black Greek-letter organization formed to support Black college students facing racial exclusion during the early 1900s.

Reflecting on her family history during the Great Migration, Brown noted her grandfather was a college graduate and Pullman porter who contributed to building a Black middle class after the Civil War. Her late father worked for New York City government but faced career limitations due to racial discrimination despite holding an M.B.A.; he ensured all six daughters attended Catholic school.

Brown praised St. John’s environment: “People are very warm and dedicated to the Catholic and Vincentian mission. That is clear.”

Before joining St. John’s, Brown served as Vice President and General Counsel at Pace University. Her previous roles include Deputy Commissioner for Legal Affairs and Administration at the New York City Fire Department—overseeing legal matters for 17,000 employees—and legal positions within New York State government offices.

“I came into higher education at a challenging time, but I have much experience working for large, complex organizations,” she said.

On her responsibilities as General Counsel, Brown explained: “There are rules, and the rules apply equally. There are processes in place. If a student is injured, harmed, or has complaints, they should—and will—get a fair hearing.” She added: “General Counsel offices can be small but are always impactful on college campuses. Every unit of this organization we touch.”

She acknowledged Joshua S. Hurwit for his work as Interim General Counsel over the past year: “Staying ahead of constant changes is not easy—and Josh did that and more.”

Discussing legal challenges in higher education—including contracts, collective bargaining agreements, real estate issues, compliance matters such as Title IX—she described them as ongoing but essential aspects of university operations.

As both the first woman appointed General Counsel at St. John’s in more than 50 years and only its fourth overall since then, Brown stated: “To be at a place with proactive engagement in how we navigate these times is my honor and service,” adding: “I’m here for the mission, our students, and the larger University community.”