Central State University welcomes new Title III Theatre Arts Program activity director

By Alissa Paolella, Communications Manager
Posted Feb 05 2025
tianee eiland with cast of grease at central state university

Central State University’s Title III Program is pleased to announce the appointment of Tianee Eiland as the new activity director for the Theatre Arts Program. 

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tianee eiland headshot

A Boston native, Eiland brings a wealth of experience in theater production, having produced numerous live performances, stage productions and dance events. Her work encompasses all aspects of production, including scheduling, casting and collaborating with creative teams to deliver impactful and engaging theater experiences. Eiland is deeply passionate about fostering meaningful connections through the arts and creating performances that inspire and captivate audiences. 

Eiland’s professional expertise extends beyond theater. She is well-versed in instructional design, project management and team leadership. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature from Ohio Wesleyan University and a Master of Science in Instructional Design and Technology from Franklin University. Currently, she is pursuing a doctoral degree in Professional Services, with a concentration in Instructional Design and Leadership. 

Eiland’s entrepreneurial spirit shines through her diverse professional background. She has served as the CEO of Candy Cane, a fitness studio, and Two Truths, a craft cocktail bar in Columbus’s vibrant Short North neighborhood. Additionally, she worked as the lead designer at RoseMarie Consulting and as the executive director of The Social Network, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing education and technology for underserved communities. 

Beyond her professional achievements, Eiland is a devoted wife, mother, sister and daughter. Her hobbies include dancing, scuba diving and exploring the world of science fiction. A self-proclaimed tech enthusiast, Eiland often embraces a playful attitude toward technology, quoting the famous words of Star Trek’s Borg: “Resistance is futile.” 

With her dynamic background and innovative vision, Eiland is poised to usher in a new era for the Theatre Arts Program at Central State University. “We grow wiser not by what we live through, but by what we take the time to think through,” Eiland said. 

Eiland succeeds John Fleming, who served as activity director for an impressive 16 years. During his tenure, Fleming was instrumental in the production and direction of 27 plays and musicals, leaving an indelible mark on the Theatre Arts Program. Though stepping down from his leadership role, Fleming will remain an active member of the CSU community, contributing to drama projects and teaching as an adjunct instructor in the Department of Education and Music within the College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education. 

John Fleming, Title III theatre arts program professor

As I depart from the activity director position, I reflect on the stunning stream of student talent that I have directed and collaborated with for over a decade.

John Fleming
Adjunct Instructor, Department of Education and Music

“I will miss the refreshing ongoing tide of new voices and talents that make up the CSU community," Fleming added.