Trisha King

Trisha King, Trine sophomore math education major

Trisha King, a sophomore from Archbold, Ohio, is having a college experience that could be considered a textbook case: enjoying classes and professors, leaving a mark in sports and participating in activities.

Small class size and sense of community rank high on the sophomore′s list of Trine’s attributes.

"At Trine, the class sizes are small, so students get one–on–one interaction with professors each day. Professors know and remember your name, and communicate with you outside the classroom, too," said King, who′s majoring in math education.

"And, one of the things I like about Trine is the sense of community," she said. "Walking around campus, I see familiar, friendly faces, and it′s nice to feel connected to the rest of the student body."

That sense of connection continues in the academic realm.

"I love the fact that the professors and advisors in the education department genuinely want to see students achieve success and go on to excel in the workforce after graduation," she said. "Dr. (Debra) Van Rie sticks out to me as one of my best professors. After one class, I didn′t understand the material, and after asking her about it, she made time in her schedule right then to explain it to me."

"Besides being an excellent teacher, she truly cares about my success in and out of the classroom, and stays up to date on my athletic achievements," King said of Van Rie, a professor in the Department of Mathematics & Informatics.

King′s athletic prowess, however, could be considered difficult to miss. During the outdoor track season, the runner was the first female Trine track athlete to be named All–MIAA and she holds four school records. In fall 2012, King was named to the all–tournament soccer team at Olivet (Mich.) College and she is captain of Trine′s soccer team.

Christian Campus House and activities round out her schedule.

"I enjoy the activities set up by campus life and the resident assistants. They provide a refreshing break from studies and a way to meet new people and make new friends," she said.

King′s study breaks appear to be well deserved because she was on the president′s list during her freshmen year.