January 28, 2026
Tony Kline, Ph.D., has been named the 19th president of Trine University, effective
June 1, 2026.
Dr. Rick L. James, chair of the university's Board of Trustees, announced the decision following a search to replace Earl D. Brooks II, Ph.D. and an affirmative vote from the Board.
Dr. Brooks, who returned to the presidency in 2024, will retire from that role and serve as university chancellor.
“Dr. Kline has been a catalyst for success throughout his distinguished tenure at Trine University, and the Board has the greatest confidence that he will lead the university to new heights,” said Dr. James. “Dr. Kline is admired and respected by the Trine University community and by the Board of Trustees. He will build on the culture of excellence at this institution, continuing the work that Dr. Brooks has done so well for so many years.”
“I am honored, humbled and thrilled to lead the wonderful faculty and staff at Trine University into our next chapter. I extend my deep gratitude to our Board Chairman, Dr. Rick James, and the entire Board of Trustees for their faith and trust in me,” said Dr. Kline. “I especially want to thank Dr. Brooks, whose unparalleled leadership over two decades has transformed Trine University into the premier destination for students seeking to succeed, lead and serve in their industry and communities. Just as this institution has become family to me over the last 13 years, I look forward to teaming with our incredible employees to welcome new students into our Trine University family in years to come.”
Long, successful history at Trine
Dr. Kline most recently served as executive vice president for the university. In that role he served as principal aide to Dr. Brooks, overseeing a wide range of matters of institutional importance, including management of staff, budgets, administrative policies and procedures.
He served as the president’s primary strategic liaison with the Board of Trustees on matters not directly handled by the president, as well as with university and community constituencies on strategic and operational matters.
Prior to being named executive vice president, he served as vice president for academic affairs (VPAA).
Under his leadership as VPAA, the university launched industry-aligned programs across all academic schools, streamlined and enhanced academic processes and faculty resources, increased support for department chairs, and supported artificial intelligence initiatives for faculty. Enrollment increased in academic schools thanks to collaborative partnerships.
Prior to becoming VPAA, he served as dean of the university’s Franks School of Education.
Under Dr. Kline’s leadership, the Franks School of Education more than tripled in size, from 82 students in fall 2016 to 296 in fall 2023. This came despite national trends showing fewer students enrolling in teacher education programs.
The school enjoyed 100% employment for its graduates seeking teaching positions, a trend that has now continued for 14 years.
Dr. Kline oversaw earned grants and gifts of about $1.7 million that supported faculty in the transformation of classrooms in Shambaugh Hall to incorporate the latest technology, initiate new programs and training, and apply evidence-based teaching methods.
He joined Trine University as an assistant professor in 2013. Prior to working at Trine, he was a faculty instructor and later assistant professor in the Department of Elementary Education at Ball State University, and an elementary teacher at The Orchard School in Indianapolis.
He holds a Ph.D. in education leadership and research, a Master of Arts in special education and a Bachelor of Science in elementary education, all from Ball State University.
Continued support
As chancellor, Dr. Brooks will continue to serve the university in a variety of ways, including fundraising and providing support and counsel to the Board of Trustees and Dr. Kline.
“Dr. Brooks will continue to be a vital resource for Trine University, thanks to his extensive network of supporters and his experience in leading this university to greatness since the beginning of this century,” said Dr. James.
"Trine University will always be close to my heart, even in retirement," said Dr. Brooks. “I want to express my thanks and deep gratitude to one of the best boards in all of higher education for all their support and leadership during my 25-year presidency.
“I’m thrilled for the opportunity to support Dr. Kline in his new role and to work together with him and the Board of Trustees to build on the successes this tremendous institution has experienced. Dr. Kline is well-prepared and will do an excellent job of leading the next chapter of this great institution.”
Last fall, Trine University welcomed a record class of more than 760 incoming new students. The university’s Class of 2025 saw 99.2% of its members employed or enrolled in graduate school within six months of graduating, continuing a 13-year streak of employment averaging above 99%.
To accommodate growing enrollment, enhance its academic programs and support its successful athletic teams, the university continues to add state-of-the-art facilities.
The Summit Street Apartments, a 200-bed apartment-style residence hall, opened last fall. The John and Mary Pellegrino Student Design Center, providing equipment and space to support more and larger projects by senior teams, will open this year along with additions to Zollner Football Stadium and a new inflatable dome to serve athletic teams.
Three administrators from Trine University’s College of Graduate and Professional Studies (CGPS) will share their success with using technology to support significant growth in an upcoming national webinar.
Trine University Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students and faculty presented research at the American Physical Therapy Association’s largest national conference, the Combined Sections Meeting, held in Anaheim, California, Feb. 12-14.
A Trine University administrator and a graduating senior are included in this year’s Greater Fort Wayne Business Weekly Forty Under 40.