June 26, 2025
FORT WAYNE — Trine University has received approval from the Indiana State Board of Nursing to offer its Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program at its Brooks College of Health Professions facility.
The new program will begin offering classes to a cohort of 20 students in January. The Brooks College of Health Professions is located at 12817 Parkview Plaza Drive, Fort Wayne.
Trine has offered the ASN degree at its Angola campus since 2024.
The program will aid in addressing existing and projected nursing shortages anticipated over the next decade.
Erin LaCross, senior vice president, nursing professional development at Parkview Health and Trine alumna (BA ’01), stated, “Trine’s expansion of its ASN program to Fort Wayne is evidence of the university’s commitment to healthcare across the region. Sustaining a strong pipeline of future nurses requires a variety of nursing degree program options that can meet the needs of students in all seasons of life. The Fort Wayne location supports returning adult learners and those who aren’t seeking a traditional undergraduate on-campus experience. We are grateful to partner with Trine through providing high-quality learning experiences on our campuses.”
“We’re excited to build on the success we already have had with our ASN program in Angola and extend the same personal attention and quality education to nursing students in Fort Wayne,” said Angel Jennings, executive director of nursing at Trine University. “In addition, we’re glad to offer the option for students to complete their degree more quickly, for those who prefer a year-round program.”
“We’re delighted to add the nursing program in Fort Wayne to the degrees we already have at the Brooks College of Health Professions that meet critical healthcare needs and provide strong career paths for graduates,” said Lisa Clemens, dean of the Brooks College of Health Professions.
For more information or to apply for enrollment, visit trine.edu/asn.
Rasmussen directing program
Susan Rasmussen, MSN/Ed, RN, an experienced nurse and nurse educator, is director
for the program.
Rasmussen previously served as program director and associate professor at Manchester University, where she oversaw the Department of Nursing. Prior to that, she served in a variety of teaching and administrative roles in the School of Nursing at Maranatha Baptist University in Watertown, Wisconsin.
She also has experience as a staff and charge nurse and education coordinator at hospitals in Pennsylvania and Missouri.
“I’m pleased and proud to lead a program that will make an impact on students, patients and the quality of healthcare in this region,” said Rasmussen. “Trine graduates are already making a difference by serving with local healthcare providers, and that impact will only increase as Trine nurses graduate and provide quality patient care.”
“We’re extremely fortunate to have someone with Susan’s experience to lead this program,” said Jennings. “She is an accomplished educator as well as a nurse, and we’re looking forward to the launch and growth of nursing at the Brooks College of Health Professions in Fort Wayne under her supervision.”
Rasmussen earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Cedarville University in Ohio and her Master of Science in Nursing with an emphasis in nursing education from the University of Phoenix. She is working on a Ph.D. in nursing with an emphasis in nursing education at Liberty University.
Beginning in January
Offering classes beginning in January, Trine’s ASN is a four-semester program that allows graduates to apply for licensure as a registered nurse by examination.
The program operates on a year-round calendar.
Offering personal attention, practical experience and state-of-the-art facilities, Trine’s ASN program graduates nurses who are equipped with the nursing knowledge and critical thinking and reasoning skills to provide safe, compassionate, patient-centric holistic care to diverse populations while working collaboratively with other healthcare professionals.
The ASN equips graduates to work as registered nurses upon passing the NCLEX exam, and prepares those who wish to continue on to more advanced degrees such as Trine University’s RN-BSN and MSN programs.
Encompassing 110,000 square feet of space, the Brooks College of Health Professions facility offers state-of-the-art classrooms and laboratories and features, in partnership with the Parkview Mirro Center, the innovative Parkview Mirro Advanced Medical Simulation Lab (SimCenter), including mock surgery and Emergency Room suites and exam and patient rooms.
The building also contains ample resources for student support, including a library, gathering area, academic support and counseling services.
Trine University has received a $2 million pledge from the Steel Dynamics Foundation, Inc. toward its new John and Mary Pellegrino Student Design Center.
J. Chris Carroll, Ph.D., PE, a distinguished educator and experienced academic leader, will join Trine University as dean of its Allen School of Engineering and Computing, effective July 1.
Trine University has opened its application for students wishing to enroll as undergraduates at its Angola campus for the fall 2026 semester.