(ANGOLA) – Trine University will soon begin the search for their next president.

Dr. Earl Brooks II announced that he will be retiring on May 31, 2023, after serving for 23 years as President. Brooks is currently the longest serving college or university president in Indiana.

In an email to faculty, staff, alumni and donors, Brooks wrote, “I am announcing that I have entered my final year as president of Trine University, and that the Board of Trustees has formed a committee to begin the process for selecting the next leader of this great institution. Brooks says he believes this university is in its strongest position ever; academically, financially and strategically, which makes it the best time to turn over the reins to a worthy successor who will keep Trine on this extraordinary path.”

During his tenure as President, Brooks has helped transform the university in virtually every possible way, including changing the university name. When he arrived at Tri-State University in 2000, they encountered a university facing a variety of challenges, including declining enrollment, a crumbling campus, retention concerns and stressed finances. In the two decades since, enrollment has grown significantly and facilities, academic programs, athletics and student life have undergone radical transformation.

Brooks also played a central role in raising more than $250 million to fund the renewal and transformation. As a result, today’s Trine University continues to set enrollment records (more than 5,850 in Spring 2022), compete for conference and national athletics championships, grow its international student population and offer new academic programs that meet business and community needs while equipping students for successful careers and lives.

Brooks also expressed confidence in current Trine leadership’s ability to take the university to the next level. He says he knows that transition sometimes can be unsettling, but everyone is entering this next phase with the comfort of knowing that a group of skilled and compassionate leaders are in place throughout the university, and will continue to lead this institution on its current trajectory.