快播

快播 has named Lexie Staten as its new vice president for academic affairs.

She succeeds Tony Kline, Ph.D., who recently was promoted to executive vice president.

Staten becomes the university鈥檚 chief academic officer after serving as dean of its Rinker-Ross School of Health Sciences, Trine鈥檚 second-largest academic school, since 2023.

Prior to becoming dean, Staten served the university as chair of its Department of Exercise Science. She joined the department in 2019 as an assistant professor.

鈥淟exie has an outstanding record of being a positive, well-respected collaborator who has overseen growth in existing academic programs while introducing new degrees and pathways that lead to successful careers for our graduates,鈥� Dr. Kline said. 鈥淪he has provided strong, thoughtful leadership as a department chair and dean, and I鈥檓 excited to see how the university鈥檚 academic programs as a whole will flourish under her guidance.鈥�

New academic programs

Under Staten鈥檚 leadership, the Rinker-Ross School of Health Sciences launched the university鈥檚 Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science degree program and developed an undergraduate direct entry pathway to Trine鈥檚 new Doctor of Occupational Therapy program.

She oversaw enhancements to Best Hall after its 2023 expansion, including student Huddle Rooms with laptop TV hookups and new furniture, a Rinker-Ross School of Health Sciences Wall of Fame to recognize high-achieving graduates and an interactive Learning Hub to showcase programs and engage visiting groups and prospective students.

The Rinker-Ross School of Health Sciences has maintained 9% average annual enrollment growth, a trend sustained over the past nine years.

鈥淚鈥檝e been fortunate to work alongside so many dedicated faculty and staff who consistently go above and beyond to support student success and academic excellence,鈥� Staten said. 鈥淚鈥檓 excited for the opportunity to support all of our academic schools as we continue to do what we do best 鈥� offering innovative, hands-on, purpose-driven programs that prepare students to thrive in their careers and communities.鈥�

Staten earned her bachelor鈥檚 degree in dietetics from Purdue University and her master鈥檚 degree in nutrition science at Texas Woman鈥檚 University. She taught three years of food science and culinary arts at Lamar International Baccalaureate High School in Texas before coming to Trine.