Trine University seeks new president

The Trine University Board of Trustees has accepted the resignation of Dr. John Shannon, who has served as Trine University president since June 1, 2023.  Dr. Rick L. James, Chair of the Trine University Board of Trustees, extended the “appreciation of the Board and the University at large for Dr. Shannon’s deep commitment to Trine University, and we wish him and his family the best in the years ahead. He has fostered a culture of academic excellence in his years with Trine as President and formerly as Vice President of Academic Affairs.”

With immediate effect, Earl D. Brooks II, Ph.D., current Trine chancellor and former president, will serve as university president while the board of trustees plans for a comprehensive, nationwide search for a permanent president.  In announcing Dr. Brooks’ appointment, Dr. James said, “We are indeed fortunate that Dr. Brooks has offered to serve as president during the search and subsequent transition, and we are more than confident that this thriving university will continue to prosper under his leadership.” 

The board of trustees has assembled a working group to begin the search process, and while no timetable has been set, it is expected that the new president will be selected within the next 12 months.

During his 23 years as president, Dr. Brooks transformed the university in virtually every possible way, including changing the university name.  When he arrived at Tri-State University, as it was named then, with wife Melanie in 2000, they encountered a university facing a variety of challenges including declining enrollment, a crumbling campus, retention concerns and stressed finances.  During his tenure, enrollment grew significantly and facilities, academic programs, athletics and student life experienced radical transformation. Dr. Brooks also played a central role in raising more than $250 million to fund the renewal and transformation, and fundraising will continue to be a top priority as president. To commemorate the many contributions of he and Mrs. Brooks, the new Fort Wayne facility and the academic division it houses is named the Dr. Earl D. and Melanie N. Brooks College of Health Professions.

“I am truly humbled that the Board of Trustees has turned to me to fill this important role,” said Dr. Brooks.  “I intend to approach it as I did during my 23 years as president – by doing everything I can to provide for the very best possible student experience, to provide opportunity and enrichment for faculty and staff, and working hard to ensure that Trine University continues to be a strong and active contributor to the local Angola community and the northeast Indiana economy.”

Since retiring as president of Trine University in May 2023, Dr. Brooks has served in the role of university chancellor where he worked on special projects for the board of trustees.  This includes active involvement with the development and construction of the exciting, new facility to house his namesake Brooks College of Health Professions in Fort Wayne, which is scheduled to open in fall 2024. 

Dr. Brooks holds bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees from the University of Tennessee.