News release from Trine University:
Peoria announces agreement with Trine to bring engineering programs to the West Valley
(PEORIA, Ariz., June 20, 2012) — The city of Peoria, Ariz., and Trine University have entered into an Exclusive Negotiating Agreement to explore the development of a branch campus in Peoria. This campus will offer bachelor and master’s degrees in engineering, as well as a variety of other programs that are in line with Peoria’s 2010 Higher Education Feasibility Study, and Economic Development Implementation Strategy (EDIS).
University recruitment has been a top priority of the City Council since the EDIS was adopted in 2010.
“We are very happy to enter into these negotiations with Trine. Our EDIS stipulated that university recruitment should focus on STEM programs, and Trine’s robust engineering program offers a perfect complement to other recent innovation developments in Peoria, namely the location of Maxwell Technologies and the establishment of our BioInspire medical device incubator,” said Scott Whyte, director of Economic Development Services.
The purpose of the ENA is to provide both parties with an opportunity to determine the project’s parameters including the site plan, the program roll-out, student enrollment targets, as well as identify partners to the project. The results of the negotiations will be determined over the next few months.
“We are very pleased to explore the possibilities in Peoria. Trine’s engineering program is the culmination of more than a century of experience, and this is an exciting opportunity for us to invest in educational advances in yet another community to provide educational resources for students that will, in turn, meet the needs of the region in terms of workforce development, technical training and access to private, nonprofit higher education,” said Earl D. Brooks II, Ph.D., president of Trine University.
Founded in 1884 in Angola, Indiana, Trine University offers more than 35 degree programs on its main campus, as well as online and at regional campuses and education centers throughout Indiana and Michigan. The university has become the fastest-growing private university in Indiana over the last five years, with a 68 percent increase in enrollment. U.S. News and World Report and the Princeton Review have ranked Trine among the Midwest’s Best Colleges every year since 2008.
The university’s job-placement rates are above the national average. Of the university’s 2011 graduating class, 91 percent of graduates found meaningful employment or were enrolled in graduate school within six months of commencement.
Trine is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, and its education, engineering and business programs are nationally recognized and accredited.
“Trine’s multiple achievements can be attributed to numerous advancements, including the leadership’s vision and constant quest for creativity and innovation in our academic programming,” Brooks said. “We believe our successes will lead to economic prosperity, growth and progress in Peoria.”
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