Trinidad State College Foundation

09/26/2026

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🏆 Trinidad State College has been ranked the #1 Best Community College in Colorado in Niche’s 2027 college rankings!

This recognition reflects what makes Trinidad State special: dedicated faculty and staff, hands-on learning opportunities, a welcoming campus community, and a commitment to helping every student build a meaningful path forward.

TSC also earned strong national recognition, ranking:
• #148 among Best Hispanic-Serving Institutions in America
• #186 among Best Community Colleges in America
• #233 among Best Colleges for Nursing in America

Niche develops its rankings using key statistics from the U.S. Department of Education along with student reviews and experiences.

We are proud of our students, employees, alumni, and community partners who make Trinidad State a place where people can learn, grow, and prepare for what comes next.

See the complete profile and rankings:
https://www.niche.com/colleges/trinidad-state-college/

09/02/2026

In lieu of flowers, Coach Jim Toupal’s family has requested that memorial contributions be made to support the Trinidad State Trojan Men’s Basketball Team. Gifts may be sent to the Trinidad State Foundation, c/o Toni DeAngelis, 600 Prospect St., Trinidad, CO 81082, or made online at https://tscf.givecloud.co/give.

James Allen “Jim” Toupal, affectionately known to generations as "Coach Toupal," passed away peacefully on August 27, 2026, at the age of 80, following a brief illness. A lifelong pillar of the Trinidad community, Jim leaves behind an extraordinary legacy as a legendary mentor, an elite collegia...

08/25/2026

There’s a lot happening at Trinidad State! Meet our new president, Dr. Dustin Eicke, celebrate the successes and generosity of our alumni, learn how one family is honoring their son’s memory, and catch up on the latest from the Valley Campus in the newest issue of Pillar & Post!

Read the latest issue here: https://conta.cc/4x5Xs6G

08/12/2026

We are grateful to the Reisher Scholars Program and The Denver Foundation for their commitment to opening doors for the next generation of Colorado scholars.

05/18/2026

The latest edition of the Trinidad State College Foundation’s Pillar & Post is here! 🎉
This month’s issue features:
🏀 A look at Trinidad State Basketball’s 5-Peat
👏 A farewell to retiring AD Mike Salbato
🎓 The Tracy Abeyta Memorial Scholarship
🏺 The reopening of the Louden-Henritze Archaeology Museum
📚 Plus alumni stories, new scholarships, and more!

Read the latest issue here: https://conta.cc/4uHOtaq

05/07/2026

Trinidad State Happenings

We are proud to Introduce Dr. Dustin Eicke, the newly appointed President of Trinidad State College.

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.