Supported by over 35 years of professional experience, Dr. Donald Van Eynde is recognized as a professor emeritus in the Michael Neidorff School of Business at Trinity University. Receiving his formal title in 2016, he previously served the university as a professor of management from 1984 to 2014 and, thereafter, as chair of the university’s Crisis Management Team from 2013 to 2016. During his tenure as an educator, he also served as the chairman of the Department of Business Administration from 1984 to 2012. Additionally, he lent his expertise to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s Space Shuttle Mission Management Team, through which he trained their leaders for nearly three decades.
To prepare for his career, Dr. Van Eynde first pursued a formal education at Michigan State University, receiving a Bachelor of Science in forestry in 1959. He went on to graduate from the university’s ROTC program in January 1960, having been recognized as a circular lieutenant. Afterward, he advanced to the United States Army, serving two combat tours in Vietnam and working as an assistant Army attaché at the United States Embassy in Portugal. He also served as the military advisor to the ambassador of the United Nations in New York City prior to his military retirement in 1980. While pursuing his career in the armed forces, he received a Master of Arts in speech communications and human relations from the University of Kansas in 1973. Subsequently, he concluded his education at Columbia University, earning a Doctor of Philosophy in organizational psychology in 1983.
As a testament to his success in education and military service, Dr. Van Eynde has received a myriad of accolades. Notably, the new Chapman Hall Dean’s Suite lobby at Trinity University was named in his honor in 2022. He also received the Dr. and Mrs. Z.T. Scott Fellowship for Outstanding Achievement in Teaching and Advising from Trinity University in 2011, as well as 36 recognitions as an Outstanding Favorite Professor, a Distinguished Service Award and Outstanding Professor of the Year award. Likewise, Dr. Van Eynde received a Silver Star for Gallantry in Combat, five Bronze Stars, a Legion of Merit, a Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm Ribbon and a Vietnamese Cross of Valor with Silver Star.
Outside of his primary efforts, Dr. Van Eynde has authored approximately 29 articles and a book on leadership, training and organizational development. A founding president and conflict resolution chair of Rotary District 5840, he looks forward to continuing his work in academia, as he is still designing and teaching courses in strategic management at Trinity University.