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.
Trine University students Isaac Braun, a senior chemical engineering major from Portland, Indiana, and Ryan Sederstrom, a junior electrical engineering major from Cedar Lake, Indiana, placed 15th in the collegiate pairs tournament at the North American Bridge Championships.
Two Trine University faculty members recently participated in the biennial Actuarial Teaching Conference (ATC), held July 19-21 in Columbus, Ohio.
Trine University has been selected to be part of a national program to help campuses respond to the challenges and opportunities artificial intelligence (AI) presents for courses, curricula and higher education in general.