In Memory of David Bechtold, Ph.D.

David Bechtold, Ph.D., a dedicated member of the Metropolitan State University of Denver Management Department and Director of the MSU Denver Center for Entrepreneurship, died Feb. 15. MSU Denver, its students, and the Center were not only David’s passion, they were his purpose. David touched the lives of countless colleagues, students, and community members. He will be missed dearly. Jenny Bechtold, David’s wife, and the Center for Entrepreneurship faculty invite you to join them in a celebration-of-life ceremony and reception in the CAVEA Theater in the Jordan Student Success Building on March 29 from 11am-1pm.

In lieu of flowers, you may contribute to David’s legacy of supporting MSU Denver’s community of aspiring entrepreneurs here. If you intend to attend the Celebration of Life, please RSVP here.

“David Bechtold was a wonderful colleague, a caring individual, an inspiring mentor and a genuine supporter of our MSU Denver students,” said Debbie Gilliard, Ph.D., professor and chair, Management.

Bechtold began his career at MSU Denver in 2015. Prior to becoming a Roadrunner, he taught business courses at the University of Tampa and the University of Hawaii at Manoa. He brought a real-world perspective to his role as an educator, having worked for more than 25 years in professional positions. He was director of project management at the Pacific Health Research Institute and business-operations coordinator for the Hawaii Center for Health Research. He also owned two businesses: TSG/Shiloh and Decision Support Group.

“David was a perfect fit in the Management Department with his care for students, extensive business experience and ability to teach many different Management courses,” said Gilliard. “David found his niche with our Entrepreneurship faculty and in getting involved in the Entrepreneurship Center activities.”

Bechtold was also instrumental in organizing the Management Department’s Executive on Campus event series, helped coordinate business pitch competitions for the MSU Denver Center for Entrepreneurship and coached students in developing their presentations. In 2023, Bechtold was named the Kemper Family Foundation Endowed Chair in Entrepreneurship, the first endowed chair in the College of Business, and the director of the Center for Entrepreneurship. His belief that business could be a force for good in the world led him to develop a new course: The Conscious Business: Sustainable Business Strategies for the 21st Century.

Additionally, Bechtold was a board member for Blue Star Recyclers, a company that provides meaningful employment for people with disabilities. He was also a member of many community organizations, such as the Rocky Mountain Chinese Society of Science and Engineering, the Asian Chamber of Commerce and the Denver Chamber of Commerce.