June 16, 2025
Trine University has named Lexie Staten as its new vice president for academic affairs.
She succeeds Tony Kline, Ph.D., who recently was promoted to executive vice president.
Staten becomes the university’s chief academic officer after serving as dean of its Rinker-Ross School of Health Sciences, Trine’s second-largest academic school, since 2023.
Prior to becoming dean, Staten served the university as chair of its Department of Exercise Science. She joined the department in 2019 as an assistant professor.
“Lexie has an outstanding record of being a positive, well-respected collaborator who has overseen growth in existing academic programs while introducing new degrees and pathways that lead to successful careers for our graduates,” Dr. Kline said. “She has provided strong, thoughtful leadership as a department chair and dean, and I’m excited to see how the university’s academic programs as a whole will flourish under her guidance.”
New academic programs
Under Staten’s leadership, the Rinker-Ross School of Health Sciences launched the university’s Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science degree program and developed an undergraduate direct entry pathway to Trine’s new Doctor of Occupational Therapy program.
She oversaw enhancements to Best Hall after its 2023 expansion, including student Huddle Rooms with laptop TV hookups and new furniture, a Rinker-Ross School of Health Sciences Wall of Fame to recognize high-achieving graduates and an interactive Learning Hub to showcase programs and engage visiting groups and prospective students.
The Rinker-Ross School of Health Sciences has maintained 9% average annual enrollment growth, a trend sustained over the past nine years.
“I’ve been fortunate to work alongside so many dedicated faculty and staff who consistently go above and beyond to support student success and academic excellence,” Staten said. “I’m excited for the opportunity to support all of our academic schools as we continue to do what we do best — offering innovative, hands-on, purpose-driven programs that prepare students to thrive in their careers and communities.”
Staten earned her bachelor’s degree in dietetics from Purdue University and her master’s degree in nutrition science at Texas Woman’s University. She taught three years of food science and culinary arts at Lamar International Baccalaureate High School in Texas before coming to Trine.
Trine University students learned about opportunities available with the Purdue Data Mine during a special presentation on April 10 in the Mark and Sarah Music/Ruoff Mortgage Esports Arena.
Trine University has received a lead gift from Dr. Rick L. James, alumnus and chair of the university’s Board of Trustees, and his wife, Dr. Vicki L. James, for a new building to house Trine’s business school.
Trine University’s esports teams won the Block House Esports League MIAA competition Sunday, April 12, the first time Trine has secured the title in back-to-back semesters.