Earl D. Brooks, II, Ph.D., chancellor and retired president of Trine University, was
inducted into the Greater Fort Wayne Business Hall of Fame on Sept. 21 during Junior
Achievement’s Business and Education Leadership celebration.
Dr. Brooks was elected 16th President of the university in January 2000; at 44 years
old, he was the youngest university president in the state of Indiana. On May 31,
he retired after 23 years in the position.
His legacy includes transitioning the university from undergraduate to graduate and
doctorate degree status, adding numerous fields of study, increasing student enrollment
to nearly 10,000 national and international students, and the awarding of more than
40,000 degrees.
“Dr. Brooks is an inspiration to all of us who offer young people the innovative educational
experiences they crave and the knowledge they can gain working with educators and
mentors like Junior Achievement volunteers. Together, we are preparing young people
for future success in their career fields,” says Lena Yarian, president, Junior Achievement
of Northern Indiana.
The Hall of Fame was established in 1984 as a testament to the free enterprise system
and to men and women with vision, foresight, courage, outstanding character, and leadership
qualities. To date, 100 business leaders have been inducted.