Trine promotes Taylor, adds student affairs coordinator

Trine University’s Office of Student Affairs has promoted one staff member and hired another.

The university promoted Jessica Taylor from student health and wellbeing advocate to assistant director of health and wellness.

In her new role, Taylor will be responsible for planning and facilitating wellness programming on campus, including fitness classes and health education sessions. She will serve as the liaison between the Trine Health Center and the Office of Student Affairs, and will coordinate vaccination clinics for students, faculty and staff with the Steuben County Health Department.

She will manage the university’s peer mentor program and assist students with locating services and resources such as healthcare, health insurance and government benefits.

“Since joining Trine in 2021, Jessica has done an outstanding job of serving as a resource supporting the physical and mental health of our students,” said Cisco Ortiz, vice president for student affairs. “We’re excited to see the additional positive impact she will have in this expanded role.”

Taylor holds a Bachelor of Science degree in human development and family studies from Indiana University, and a Master of Public Health, also from IU.

She served in several roles with IU Campus Recreational Sports and as a graduate intern with Tandem Community Birth Center before coming to Trine.

Student affairs coordinator

The university has hired Tonya Bussema as student affairs coordinator.

In her role, Bussema will coordinate day-to-day operations and provide administrative support to the functions within the Office of Student Affairs. She also will assist with the coordination of services within the Academic Success Center.

Bussema holds a Bachelor of Arts in art and design from Alma College.

Her background includes serving as an art teacher as well as operating her own photography business and working in marketing for G.W. Stroh Orchard in Angola.

“Tonya plays a vital role in our efforts to support Trine students, and we’re glad to have her as part of the team,” Ortiz said.