Dombkowski to serve as CGPS dean

ANGOLA (11/02/2017) — Ryan Dombkowski, Ph.D., chair of Trine University's pre-medical professional track and professor in its Doctor of Physical Therapy program, will become dean of the university's College of Graduate and Professional Studies, effective Jan. 1, 2018.

The College of Graduate and Professional Studies offers associate's, bachelor's and master's degrees to adult and nontraditional students online as well as at eight educational centers throughout Indiana and southern Michigan.

"I am excited about the opportunity to work with a truly fantastic group of faculty and staff as we deliver the Trine academic experience to nontraditional students and in alternative formats," Dombkowski said. "Technological, economic and political influences have accelerated the rate of change in higher education to a level that I would argue is faster today than ever before. I look forward to joining the College of Graduate and Professional Studies at Trine University as we continue to deliver high-quality academic programs in areas of need to citizens of this rapidly changing world."

Dombkowski replaces Craig Laker, who has served as dean since 2016. Laker became chair of Trine's Department of Criminal Justice, Psychology and Social Sciences earlier in the fall.

Part of Trine's faculty since 2014, Dombkowski also has been part of the Peer Review Corps for the Higher Learning Commission since October 2016. He previously served on the faculty at Saint Mary's College, the Indiana University School of Medicine - South Bend and the University of Notre Dame.

"Ryan's breadth of experience as a teaching faculty member and in evaluating academic programs will be invaluable as we continue to shape and enhance Trine University's programs for nontraditional students," said A. Allen Hersel, Ph.D., vice president for academic affairs. "I'm looking forward to the new ideas and vision Ryan will bring to his role as leader of Trine's graduate and adult programs."

Dombkowski holds a bachelor's degree in chemistry from Wabash College and a Ph.D. in biological sciences from Notre Dame. He also earned a Master of Science in leadership from Trine in May.

"I hope to bring my years of experience in the classroom, academic program review and institutional accreditation to help the College of Graduate and Professional Studies as we continue to improve existing and develop new academic programs," he said. "I look forward to strengthening and building our institutional and industrial partnerships to continue to help students of Trine University complete the academic programs they need to succeed, lead and serve both in their professions and in their communities. Regardless of location, mode of delivery or the type of student, I hope to lead the College and Graduate and Professional Studies to a level that our communities and students recognize for the delivery of high-quality, in-demand professional education at an affordable price."

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Trine University, an internationally recognized, private, co-educational, residential institution, offers associate's, bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees in the Allen School of Engineering & Technology, Ketner School of Business, College of Graduate and Professional Studies, Franks School of Education, Jannen School of Arts & Sciences and Rinker-Ross School of Health Sciences. Trine is a member of the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association and offers 23 varsity sports. Its golf program includes the university-owned 18-hole championship Zollner Golf Course. Founded in 1884 and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (www.ncahigherlearningcommission.org), Trine operates a 450-acre main campus in Angola, Indiana, and education resource centers throughout Indiana and Michigan.

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