Board of Trustees news

Trine trustees elect new leaders

 

A new slate of officers will be leading Trine University’s Board of Trustees, beginning this fall. The trustees serve as the governing board for the university, and board leaders are elected to two-year terms. Currently, 29 members serve on the university’s board.

“We are tremendously pleased with the commitment and dedication of our trustees, who have been instrumental in the transformation of this campus. We look forward to new leadership and appreciate those who have diligently served Trine University in the past,” said Trine president Earl D. Brooks II, Ph.D.

Rick James will serve as the chair, following alumnus and honorary doctorate recipient Jerry Allen, who has served in that capacity since 2008. He graduated from Tri-State University in 1977 and joined the board of trustees in 2010. He has served as chair of the enrollment and marketing committee and is an active member of the campus planning committee. The Rick L. and Vicki L. James University Center was named in their honor earlier this year.

James has served as chairman and CEO for Metal Technologies for the past 13 years. He was president and chief executive for Auburn Foundry for nine years, and served the company in various other positions, including vice president for sales, sales manager and production manager, for 12 years prior to that time. He now serves on the university’s board of trustees.

Jack Shaw will serve as vice chair. He joined the board in 2010. He has served as chair of the campus planning committee and is on the development committee.  He has also been active on the academic affairs committee.

Shaw earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Purdue in 1962 before leading a success career in the electronics industry. He is the retired chief executive officer and president of Hughes Electronics Corp. He has earned multiple prestigious award, including the U.S. Ambassador to India Award for Distinguished Service. He has been honored as a distinguished engineering alumnus by his alma mater.

Ralph Trine, 1961 alumnus, will continue to serve as secretary. He is the chief executive officer and chair of Vestil Manufacturing Co. He earned his master’s from Michigan State University and an honorary doctorate from his alma mater. He and his wife, Sheri, have played integral roles in the expansion of the university’s campus.

To share your news, contact Trine University communication specialist Lindsay Winslow Brown at winslowbrownl@trine.edu.