Land named VP for advancement as university prepares for presidential transition

Trine University has named longtime assistant vice president for athletics and athletic director Matt Land as its new vice president for advancement as part of the transition to the upcoming presidency of Tony Kline, Ph.D.

Andy Rang, head women’s basketball coach, will add interim athletic director to his responsibilities to help with the transition as Land assumes his new role.

Dr. Kline will become the 19^th president of the university on June 1, succeeding current president Earl D. Brooks II, Ph.D.

“Leaders are reflected by the type of people they surround themselves with, and this selection speaks volumes about the quality I know will be the hallmark of Dr. Kline’s presidency,” said Dr. Brooks.

“I’ve been privileged to work with both Matt and Andy throughout their tenure here at Trine and know the work ethic and love for this institution they have. Matt is an excellent choice for vice president for advancement and will help lead Trine University to new heights in this critical area. We also greatly appreciate Andy stepping up to keep Trine Thunder athletics running smoothly during the search for a new director.”

About Matt Land

As vice president for advancement, Land will provide strategic leadership for Trine University’s fundraising and alumni engagement goals, working closely with Dr. Kline.

His responsibilities will include creating multi-year strategies for new donor pipelines, meeting annual fundraising goals and improving alumni outreach and engagement across all schools and programs.

“Matt Land is known, respected and beloved by many of our alumni and donors thanks to his success on the football field and overseeing Trine University athletics. Through his impressive tenure at our university, he has demonstrated bold leadership, strong organizational skills, a tireless work ethic and a keen ability to build relationships with supporters,” said Dr. Kline. “These are all qualities that make him an excellent fit for this critical role in supporting our position as a premier institution.”

“I’m grateful for the many who have supported Trine University’s athletic programs and I am looking forward to working with our generous benefactors in helping the campus as a whole provide a quality education and continue to thrive for generations to come,” Land said.

Land has been part of Trine since 2006, when he joined the university for a very successful run as head football coach.

He led the Thunder to Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) conference championships and NCAA Division III playoff appearances in 2008, 2009 and 2010.

He was named D3football.com North Regional Coach of the Year in 2008 and 2010 and AFCA Region 4 Coach of the Year in 2008.

He was named athletic director in 2012 and added the role of assistant vice president for athletics in 2015.

During his tenure, Trine University has greatly expanded and upgraded its athletic facilities, with additions including the Thunder Ice Arena and MTI Center. The university is nearing completion of the new Trine Family Fitness Center, part of Zollner Football Stadium, as well as a new athletic dome.

The university also has added sports teams including hockey, skating, acrobatics and tumbling, women’s triathlon and men’s rugby.

Thunder teams have won three team NCAA Division III national championships since 2023.

Land holds a Master in Education degree from Walden University in Baltimore and a Bachelor of Science from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana.

About Andy Rang

Rang has a 184-41 record as head coach of Trine University women’s basketball, a position he has held since the 2018-19 season. He also serves as assistant athletic director, a position he has held since 2014.

He has been a member of the Thunder coaching staff for 14 seasons.

“Matt Land has built a strong foundation of success, making the athletic director role an incredible opportunity for whoever moves into that position,” he said. “In the meantime, we’re looking forward to another stellar spring season for Thunder athletics.”

His game-planning and scouting abilities have played a pivotal role in the turnaround of the Trine program. In the last eight seasons, the Thunder have vaulted up the conference ranks to the top of the MIAA, finishing no worse than second.

The Thunder have reached the NCAA Tournament all seven seasons under his leadership and have won at least one game in each appearance. Rang's most successful NCAA appearance came in the 2021-22 season, when the Thunder reached the Final Four before falling to the eventual national champions.