Soun Kosetsu Randy Earl began formal Zen training with Taiun Elliston Roshi and took the precepts in 2003. Although further moves took him away from Atlanta, he continued to train remotely and during retreat visits, taking the vows for Shukke Tokudo in 2013. Kosetsu has served as Zen Chaplain at North Carolina State University for several years and is currently an STO member at-large, supporting the STO sangha on the board and Communications committee.
Professionally, Soun Kosetsu served in the US Navy, taught physics, worked as an engineer in the aerospace industry, led IT teams as an IT Manager and CIO, led a Design and UXR team in software development, retiring in 2024 from IBM where he worked on the corporate strategy team evaluating concepts coming out of R&D. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics from North Carolina State University and a Master of Business Administration degree from University of Phoenix. He currently resides in Raleigh, NC, with his wife, MK, near his three children and five grandchildren.
