May 21, 2025
Trine University has named Alecia Pfefferkorn, an experienced educator and administrator
who has served at several area school corporations as well as at the university, as
dean of its Franks School of Education (FSOE).
She had been interim dean of FSOE since February.
“The Franks School of Education is blessed with outstanding faculty and students, and I’m honored that Trine University has entrusted me with leading our efforts to equip students to make a positive impact as educators,” she said. “With 20 years of experience working in public education, I look forward to strengthening our invaluable partnerships and continuing to provide talented, highly skilled future educators.”
“Alecia Pfefferkorn has demonstrated excellence at every level of leadership in the field of education,” said Tony Kline, Ph.D., executive vice president. “She has unique gifts of drive, passion and attention to detail while maintaining a steadfast, positive focus on what is best for students. The Franks School of Education will continue to set the bar in teacher education with Dean Pfefferkorn's leadership.”
At Trine and local schools
Pfefferkorn joined the Franks School of Education as an assistant professor in the fall of 2022. In addition to her teaching and advising duties, she created assessment tools to evaluate student performance and collaborated with colleagues on curriculum development initiatives.
She also secured more than $1 million in Lilly Endowment Planning and Implementation Grant funds to support Science of Reading partnerships between the university and area school corporations.
Prior to coming to Trine, Pfefferkorn served for seven years as principal at Prairie Heights Elementary School, after serving five years as literacy coordinator and Title I coordinator at the same school.
She previously had served as a classroom teacher at JE Ober Elementary School in Garrett and at Hamilton Elementary School.
Pfefferkorn holds a Master of Science in educational leadership and a Bachelor of Science in elementary and special education from Indiana University-Fort Wayne.
Innovative teacher education
In addition to its Science of Reading efforts, Trine’s Franks School of Education continues to develop new, innovative methods of preparing students to succeed as educators.
The Franks School of Education added the state of Indiana’s first university-based Montessori teacher education program in 2020. The school also has added graduate degree programs as well as blended and online certification.
The school has expanded its special education licensure options to all grade levels.
FSOE students majoring in elementary and special education graduate with Orton Gillingham International certification. Students majoring in elementary education receive Level I Google certification and Project Lead the Way certification.
All education majors are trained in Crisis Prevention Intervention.
As a result of these efforts, the Franks School of Education has continued its record of 100% employment for its graduates seeking teaching positions, now spanning 13 years.
Trine’s education programs are nationally accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.
J. Chris Carroll, Ph.D., PE, a distinguished educator and experienced academic leader, will join Trine University as dean of its Allen School of Engineering and Computing, effective July 1.
Trine University has received a $2 million pledge from the Steel Dynamics Foundation, Inc. toward its new John and Mary Pellegrino Student Design Center.
Trine University has opened its application for students wishing to enroll as undergraduates at its Angola campus for the fall 2026 semester.