November 14, 2025
Ellen Paxton has joined Trine University as assistant vice president of advancement,
bringing more than 25 years of experience in fundraising and institutional promotion
to the position.
"We are thrilled to have Ellen join our Trine University team and the Office of University Advancement," said Tony Kline, Ph.D., executive vice president at Trine. “Ellen has impressive, varied experiences in development, understands advancement strategy well, and believes in a strong, collaborative culture.”
“The outstanding support Trine University has enjoyed throughout its history from its alumni and friends has been a vital part of the university’s success, and I’m delighted to become part of that story and build upon it,” Paxton said. “I’m also very excited to join the Trine family and meet the many wonderful people who are proud to be part of this university.”
Experienced, successful fundraiser
Paxton most recently served as a member of the development team at Bishop Dwenger High School in Fort Wayne, where she led the execution of the three largest fundraising events at the school.
Prior to that, she was vice president for institutional advancement at the University of St. Francis in Fort Wayne, where she oversaw all fundraising and Alumni Association engagement programs, special events, marketing and communications and community relations. She exceeded fundraising goals for the university in that role.
Her career also includes a 15-year tenure at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, with progressively increasing responsibilities throughout. She began as director of corporate and foundation relations, then served as senior director development — central programs, senior director of regional advancement and eventually senior regional director of external relations and communications,
She holds a Bachelor of Science in physical education with an emphasis in sport management from Indiana State University and a Master of Arts in physical education with an emphasis in sport administration from the University of Northern Colorado.
The Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society recently named Trine University pre-med biology student Lauren Hillin of Charlotte, North Carolina, its Foy-Sagabiel Undergraduate Scholar Leader of the Year.
Two Trine University students — Chloe Laird, a chemical engineering major from Warsaw, Indiana, and Makenzie Amich, a forensic science major from Thorntown, Indiana — recently had the opportunity to connect with thousands of chemistry professionals and students from across the country at the American Chemical Society (ACS) national meeting in Chicago.
Steuben County community members are invited to join Trine University students and alumni and local businesses for Breaking the Silence Together, the university's inaugural mental health walk, beginning at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26.