Colorado Community College System Chancellor Dr. Marielena DeSanctis announced on May 6 the appointment of Dr. Dustin Eicke as the next president of Trinidad State College, following a nationwide search. Dr. Eicke is set to begin his new role on June 15.
The selection of Dr. Eicke comes after a competitive process involving input from college stakeholders and members of the surrounding communities. His current position is Vice President of Performance & Planning and Accreditation Liaison Officer at Laramie County Community College, where he oversees institutional planning, accreditation, assessment, analytics, strategic initiatives, and sponsored awards.
“Dr. Eicke is a thoughtful, student-centered leader who understands the transformative role rural community colleges play in their regions,” said Chancellor DeSanctis. “He brings a strong record of strategic leadership, partnership building, enrollment growth, data-informed decision-making, and community engagement. Just as importantly, he understands the importance of being visible, trusted, and connected to the communities a college serves. I am confident he will lead Trinidad State College into a strong next chapter.”
Eicke expressed appreciation for his selection and enthusiasm for joining Trinidad State College: “It is an honor to be selected to serve as the next president of Trinidad State College and to join the Colorado Community College System,” said Dr. Eicke. “Trinidad State has a proud history, deep community roots, and an essential mission in creating opportunity for students and strengthening the region. I look forward to working alongside faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community partners to build on that momentum and shape an exciting future together.”
Eicke’s experience includes work with colleges across Wyoming, Nebraska, New Mexico and Texas in areas such as academic quality improvement efforts; workforce-aligned program development; dual enrollment pathways; employer partnerships with companies like Meta and Microsoft; post-graduation economic mobility strategies; oversight over more than $10 million annually in sponsored awards; securing grants including Metallica Scholars funding—a Meta grant—and National Science Foundation support.
Founded in 1925 as Colorado’s first community college—Trinidad State offers academic programs through its campuses in Trinidad and Alamosa with focus areas spanning STEM fields healthcare skilled trades arts—and remains committed to access innovation lifelong learning.
