Ortiz named dean of student and community relations

Trine University has named Cisco Ortiz to the new role of dean of student and community relations.

In this position, he will serve as the senior liaison for the university to students, parents of students and community stakeholders. He will be the first contact for community organizations looking to initiate new partnerships with the university.

He will continue to support families of students through his proactive, positive, solution-oriented interactions and problem-solving. He also will add a layer of retention support focused on student-athletes.

“Anyone who interacts with Cisco understands his passion for helping Trine students, their families and this community. We’re excited to create this important new role for the university,” said Tony Kline, Ph.D., Trine University president-elect. “He is widely respected by all the communities he will serve. This strategic move will continue to improve the student experience here at Trine.”

“I’m personally grateful to Cisco for his excellent service at all levels of Trine University, from faculty to member of the Cabinet,” said Earl D. Brooks II, Ph.D., Trine University president. “I congratulate him on this new, critical role as liaison to key constituencies, where I know he will continue to excel.”

Ortiz will continue to serve as the Title IX deputy coordinator and faculty athletic representative, and will lead the student disciplinary process, ensuring fairness, consistency and educational integrity.

He also will serve as university liaison to Bon Appetit, providing feedback on the student dining experience, working with Bon Appetit management to assess and address future student dining needs, and planning and scheduling special dining events for Trine students.

“I’m honored to continue to help new generations of students benefit from the same quality education and personal attention at Trine that I did,” he said. “I’m glad to do everything I can to help students succeed and get the most out of their time here.”

Broad experience

Ortiz previously served the university as vice president for student affairs. He has experienced nearly every aspect of life at Trine University since arriving as a student in 1996.

He transferred to what was then Tri-State University from the United States Air Force Academy after suffering a football injury and graduated in 1999 with a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice.

Following graduation, he was hired immediately to work with at-risk youth with the Branch County (Mich.) Juvenile Court. His career progression included supervisory positions in the juvenile justice system, adult probation and corrections.

He started his teaching career at Trine in 2015 in the Department of Criminal Justice, became chair in 2018 and was promoted to dean of students in 2019. He earned a master’s degree in management in 2007.