DENVER, CO, May 6, 2026 — Colorado Community College System (CCCS) Chancellor Dr. Marielena DeSanctis today announced the selection of Dr. Dustin Eicke as the next president of Trinidad State College (TSC) following a nationwide search. Dr. Eicke will begin his tenure on June 15, 2026.
Dr. Eicke was selected through a highly competitive process that engaged stakeholders from across the college and surrounding communities. Currently serving as Vice President of Performance & Planning and Accreditation Liaison Officer at Laramie County Community College, Dr. Eicke provides cabinet-level leadership for institutional planning, accreditation, assessment, analytics, strategic initiatives, and sponsored awards. He has also helped lead strategic enrollment management, budget planning, governance efforts, and major capital and operational priorities.
"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."
Dr. Eicke expressed enthusiasm for joining Trinidad State College and serving Southern Colorado.
"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."
A Proven Leader for Students, Communities, and Workforce Growth
Dr. Eicke brings leadership experience spanning community colleges and universities across Wyoming, Nebraska, New Mexico, and Texas. Much of his career has been rooted in access-oriented institutions and communities where colleges serve as engines of opportunity, workforce preparation, and regional growth.
At Laramie County Community College, he has led strategic planning modernization, accreditation systems, program review redesign, institutional analytics, and sponsored awards oversight. His work has focused on aligning academic quality, workforce relevance, fiscal stewardship, and measurable outcomes while improving efficiency and supporting effective operations.
Dr. Eicke has built partnerships with K–12 districts, employers, state agencies, and philanthropic organizations to expand opportunity and strengthen workforce-aligned programs. His leadership has supported growth in dual and concurrent enrollment pathways, development of new programs such as Data Center Specialist and Artificial Intelligence degrees, and stronger regional employer relationships, including collaborations with companies such as Meta and Microsoft.
He has also led efforts focused on post-graduation value and economic mobility, using labor market and earnings data to help align programs with family-sustaining careers and regional workforce demand. In addition, he has overseen more than $10 million annually in sponsored awards and helped secure major external investments, including Metallica Scholars funding, a Meta grant, and the college's first National Science Foundation grant.
Dr. Eicke brings to the presidency a student-first leadership style grounded in collaboration, accountability, and measurable results for students and communities. He holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education Research from Texas Tech University, along with graduate and undergraduate degrees from Abilene Christian University and Lubbock Christian University.
Dr. Eicke and his wife, Erika Terrill, along with their dog, Dobby, are excited to join the Trinidad State College team and become part of the college community.
About Trinidad State College Founded in 1925 as Colorado's first community college, Trinidad State College offers high-quality academic, technical, and workforce education through its campuses in Trinidad and Alamosa. With programs in STEM, healthcare, skilled trades, and the arts, TSC provides pathways to success for students throughout Southern Colorado. The college remains deeply committed to access, innovation, and lifelong learning. Learn more at: www.trinidadstate.edu