Assistant Professor, College of Arts and Cultural Studies
An avid extreme remote hiker, Don Eland got the scare of his life a few years ago on Canada's Vancouver Island. He awoke up at 2 a.m. to find himself pinned to the ground by a Black Bear standing on his bivy sack. Such is the life of an outdoor adventurer.
In addition to his infamous trip to Vancouver Island, Don has hiked in remote areas of Switzerland, throughout Africa and Costa Rica. "I can usually hike for two days and finally get to a place where I no longer see people," Don commented. Even now, Don often rides his bike to work.
Born in Bremerton, Washington, Don grew up in Denver, Colorado where he loved camping in the mountains. He first heard about ORU from his pastor. Shortly there after, his father, Gene Eland, was offered a job as chairman of the ORU music department. Don's brother was a member of ORU's very first graduating class.
Don also attended ORU, majoring in music performance. He left for a time to tour the world as a part of Terry Law Ministries. When he returned to complete his music education degree, Cindy, whom he later married, was an ORU freshman.
Don went on to earn his M.A. in Music Performance. Then, 14 years ago he got involved with an EWI midi controller and music software that combines electronic, instrumental and wind sounds. He was instantly addicted. "I absolutely love what I do. In fact, when I have a day off, I often spend it learning new software or an upgrade."
Don and Cindy are the parents of two grown children, a daughter who according to dad is a "corporate girl" working for a financial consulting firm in Dallas and a son who is a "mountain man" and sports enthusiast living in Breckenridge, Colorado.
B.A. in Music Performance from ORU
B.M.E. in Music Education from ORU
M.M.A. in Music Performance at ORU
Contact information: doneland@oru.edu 918.495.7510
