Yoder to join Trine as VP for operations

Trine University has named Eric Yoder, who most recently served as chief executive officer of the YMCA of Steuben County, as its new vice president for operations, beginning in June.

In his new role, Yoder will provide strategic oversight and executive leadership for campus facilities, infrastructure, auxiliary enterprises and capital construction initiatives.

Mike Bock, vice president of special projects, will continue to lead the university’s major construction efforts and will serve as a resource to support Yoder as he transitions into the role.

“As a longtime part of this community, I’ve witnessed the ever-growing positive impact that Trine University has had on the community. At the Y, I’ve even had the privilege to partner with the university on initiatives like the Sheets Family Park,” said Yoder. “I’m excited and honored to join the university in this capacity and I’m looking forward to leading and facilitating its continued growth.”

Yoder’s addition rounds out the Cabinet that will serve under Tony Kline, Ph.D., who will become president of the university on June 1.

“Eric is a strategic, creative, proven leader who serves with excellence, integrity and hard work. We are excited to have him join our team as vice president for operations, as we continue to raise the bar of what premier facilities and infrastructure look like for private institutions in higher education,” Dr. Kline said.

Campus planning, stewardship and expansion

As vice president for operations, Yoder will be responsible for institutional campus planning strategy, stewardship of physical assets and oversight of major capital projects, with a focus on finances, regulatory compliance and alignment with the university’s mission and strategic goals.

He also will lead development and execution of the university’s campus master plan, providing executive leadership for all campus facilities operations. He will oversee Zollner Golf Course and the Thunder Ice Arena.

He has served as CEO of the YMCA of Steuben County since 2024. In addition to his involvement with the construction and launch of the Sheets Family Park, he has overseen all operations at the YMCA, including donor relations and strategic planning.

Under his leadership, the YMCA has seen year-over-year increases in membership and revenue. The organization recently was named Nonprofit of the Year by the Angola Chamber of Commerce.

Prior to the YMCA, he worked for 18 years at Wagler and Associates. At the time of his departure, Yoder was serving as acting chief financial officer, a role that followed a distinguished tenure during which he held positions including project manager, lead designer, director of business development and director of operations.

Over the course of his career with the firm, he managed projects throughout Indiana, Ohio, Michigan and Wisconsin, frequently overseeing developments exceeding $10 million in value. Early in his career, Yoder built a reputation for his innovative design work in the commercial agriculture sector, later applying his expertise to industrial and commercial projects where clients valued his attention to detail and process-driven approach.

He has a long history of community involvement, including multiple volunteer roles at the YMCA before becoming CEO. He is president of the Angola Redevelopment Commission, a classroom facilitator for Junior Achievement, assistant track and field coach at Angola Middle School and an active member of Fairview Missionary Church.

He has served as a board member and board president for the Angola Chamber of Commerce and Cahoots Coffee Café.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing and business from the University of Indianapolis and an MBA with a concentration in finance from Indiana University - Purdue University Fort Wayne.