ABOUT ME

Professional Bio:

Don developed his production career over a 20 year period as a recording engineer and producer in Vancouver and Los Angeles, focusing on alternative music with some major label and mainstream projects. Simultaneous to independent production work, Don started and grew a number of businesses which he eventually sold in order to pursue full-time studies and teaching. Don has a voracious appetite for knowledge and holds five degrees along with many certificates and diplomas in areas as diverse as religious studies, business management, and communication studies. His two MA theses are in the areas of technological change and media studies with a particular focus on advertising. As an educator Don distinguished himself as an outstanding curriculum developer and instructor and was offered the position of Program Manager for the Institute of Communication Arts - ICA. In this position he was responsible for all program areas in the entertainment arts including 2D and 3D animation, video and film, audio, new media, IT, game development, and entertainment business. This eventually led to the position of Dean of Education for the Art Institute – Center for Digital Imaging and Sound in Vancouver and then to the President for a national group of arts and technology colleges across Canada. Don continues to combine his passion for leading edge practices in education, production, and business with his commitment to integrity and excellence as an educational advisor, Chairman of the Board of Directors for The Education Company, completion of a 5 year term by Provincial appointment to the British Columbia Degree Quality Assessment Board, entrepreneur and owner of an internet based company, and in his current position as VP of Education for the Centre for Arts and Technology and Centre for Health Studies group of colleges. Don successfully defended his PhD dissertation in December 2011 based on his research into graduate preparedness gaps for real-world and real-work, accelerated learning through advanced technology, and Game Based Learning. Don brings a unique blend of business, academic and industry experience to his consulting and educational management responsibilities.