Cisco Ortiz named Trine University vice president
Trine University promoted Francisco "Cisco" Ortiz, 47, to vice president for student affairs, effective June 1.
The former Coldwater city councilman will direct Trine University's newly-reconfigured Office of Student Affairs in his new role. He will have responsibility for essential student services that include student life, campus housing, campus safety, health and wellness, and student success.
"Cisco is the ideal person for this job," said Earl D. Brooks II, Ph.D., president of Trine University. "He is respected by everyone on campus and has been since he first stepped on campus as a student. In this expanded role, Cisco will lead the teams that will connect all of the important aspects of student life on our Angola campus and ensure Trine students have the best college experience possible."
Ortiz will report directly to Brooks and serve on the president's cabinet.
Ortiz is Dean of Students. The job combines functions formerly handled by Trine's Office of Student Services and Office of Student Success and Engagement in his new position. The move is expected to streamline and enhance areas directly serving Trine students.
"I am very excited to work with all of my colleagues to continuously enhance the student experience at Trine," said Ortiz. "With our outstanding staff and expanded capabilities, we now have a stronger, better-connected student affairs team that will do even more to ensure that Trine students have the very best opportunity to succeed, lead and serve."
Cisco and his wife, Maggie, reside in Coldwater, and are parents to three teenage children.
Ortiz has experienced nearly every aspect of life at Trine University since arriving as a student in 1996. After suffering a football injury, he transferred to what was then Tri-State University from the U.S. Air Force Academy. He graduated from Tri-State in 1999 with a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice.
He was hired immediately to work with at-risk youth with Branch County Juvenile Court after graduation. His career progression included supervisory positions in the juvenile justice system, adult probation and corrections.
Ortiz started his teaching career at Trine in 2015 in the criminal justice department, became chairman in 2018, and was promoted to dean of students in 2019. He earned a master's degree in management in 2007.
Ortiz won a Coldwater City first ward seat in 2007. After being named dean of students, he did not campaign against challenger Emily Rissman. Ortiz served until 2019.
This article originally appeared on The Daily Reporter: Cisco Ortiz named Trine University Vice President
