Welcome!
Trine University is a growing school with a rich heritage of academic excellence and tradition. With enrollment that has more than tripled since 2000, Trine University remains a remarkably creative, innovative campus with a vibrant student life. Expert, caring faculty prepare Trine students to lead, succeed and serve.
More than 99 percent of graduates over the past 11 years have found employment or started graduate school within six months. Many of our students collaborate with companies, organizations and schools around the globe to solve complex problems and real-world issues, and many graduates start flourishing companies or rise to the highest level of major corporations. The next time you see a golf ball, just remember one of our graduates is responsible.
Over the past 10 years, we've added more than $100 million worth of campus enhancements and facilities, including the new Thunder Ice Arena and MTI Center. As the 21st century progresses, Trine will continue to strategically develop its people, programs and facilities to make a positive impact on students, the community and beyond.
More than 99 percent of graduates over the past 11 years have found employment or started graduate school within six months.
As a Trine student, alumnus or supporter, you are part of a community – a family – that has been active since 1884 and will be here for years to come. Starting as a teacher’s college and evolving into the 20th century as the university opened the doors of its engineering school, we’ve added acclaimed business, humanities, education, health sciences and science programs that continue to meet with success.
If you are looking to become a student at Trine, I encourage you to schedule a time to visit and see the campus for yourself. While you're here, be sure to meet with professors and students and ask all the questions you want.
Whether student, alumnus or friend of the college, please stop by my office in the C.W. Sponsel Administration Center when you are on campus. My door is open and you are always welcome.
Earl D. Brooks II, Ph.D.
President
Dr. Earl D. Brooks II began serving as the 16th president of Trine University in 2000 and returned as its 18th president in 2024. Dr. Brooks has led Trine on the path of growth and improvement, ensuring the university is one of the top private institutions in the Midwest. Since coming to Trine, Dr. Brooks has spearheaded a successful $90 million capital campaign, headed initiatives to revitalize campus, positively engaged the surrounding community, cultivated relationships with alumni and friends, and sought new opportunities for students. In the fall of 2013, Trine kicked off a $75 million campaign that later expanded to $176 million, focusing on capital improvement projects, endowment and the annual Trine Fund. During the past two years, he has led efforts to raise an additional $75 million.
Trine University’s campus has grown considerably over the past decade under Dr. Brooks’ leadership. More than $300 million worth of campus enhancements and facilities have been added — including:
- Furth Center for Performing Arts
- Fred Zollner Athletic Stadium and Metal Technologies Inc. Health and Fitness Center
- Jim and Joan Bock Center for Innovation and Biomedical Engineering
- Larry and Judy Reiners Residence Hall
- Keith E. Busse/Steel Dynamics Inc. Athletic and Recreation Center
- Rick L. and Vicki L. James University Center
- Renovation of the Ketner School of Business/Ford Hall
- Two expansions of the Rinker-Ross School of Health Sciences/Best Hall
- The Thunder Ice Arena
- The MTI Center (athletics and events venue)
- The Steel Dynamics Inc. Center for Engineering and Computing
- The Dr. Earl D. and Melanie N. Brooks College of Health Professions
Dr. Brooks oversaw the transition from Tri-State University to Trine University in 2008, which helped the university better define its mission and direction while honoring trustees Drs. Ralph and Sheri Trine. The decision was part of a strategy that has spurred Trine University to continued growth, including record enrollment of more than 13,000 students, a career placement average of more than 99 percent over the past 11 years, and an economic impact of more than $150 million to local, regional and statewide economies.
The university recently celebrated 25 consecutive years of balanced budgets. It also graduated its first doctoral class of physical therapists with the Class of 2017.
President Brooks received his bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees from the University of Tennessee. He currently serves as a member of the board of directors for the:
- Indiana Chamber of Commerce
- Northeast Indiana Regional Chamber
- Independent Colleges of Indiana
- Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association Presidents Council
He serves on numerous councils and committees including:
- The Council of Independent Colleges
- American Council on Education
- National Association for Independent Colleges and Universities
- National Collegiate Athletic Association
- Association of Governing Board of Colleges and Universities
Honors and awards
In 2018, Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb presented Dr. Brooks with the Sagamore of the Wabash, given to those who render distinguished service to the state of Indiana. In 2022, he was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award by Greater Fort Wayne Business Weekly and inducted into Trine University's Athletic Hall of Fame. The university named the Dr. Earl D. and Melanie N. Brooks College of Health Professions in honor of him and his wife Melanie in 2023, and he also was inducted into the Greater Fort Wayne Business Hall of Fame that year.