“Better a well-formed head than a well-filled one.”
— Michel de Montaigne, adapted from Essays, I.26
“Better a well-formed head than a well-filled one.”
— Michel de Montaigne, adapted from Essays, I.26
CREDENTIALS
Doctor of Philosophy, Education, University of Oxford, Focus: Organizational Sociology
Masters of Educational Research Methods, University of Oxford
Masters of Educational Leadership & Foundations, Brigham Young University
Bachelor of Arts, Liberal Arts, Southern Virginia University
PHILOSOPHY
David values creating environments where diverse perspectives are welcomed, intellectual curiosity is encouraged, and people are empowered to take ownership of their development. David embraces collaboration, reflection, and continuous improvement. He believes that strong communities are built through generosity, reciprocity, a shared commitment to learning, and intellectual humility.
PROFESSIONAL
David brings a unique blend of academic research, teaching and program development with small business entrepreneurship and organizational leadership to his work. As a scholar-practitioner of organizations and strategy, he has spent years studying how institutions create value, build trust, and develop cultures that help people thrive. His academic work has focused on understanding how collaboration, learning, and shared purpose contribute to successful organizations and communities, with special interest in the lived experience of learning and development.
Alongside his academic pursuits, David has been an entrepreneurial small business owner and organizational steward, applying research-based insights to real-world challenges. Known as a systems thinker and creative collaborator, he enjoys helping teams connect ideas, build meaningful relationships, and create environments where people can grow and succeed together.
PERSONAL
Originally from Northeast Ohio, David and his wife, Sara, spent fifteen years in England, where they became dual U.S.-U.K. citizens and raised their four children. Now living in Provo, Utah, they continue to cherish the friendships, experiences, and connections they built on both sides of the Atlantic. David enjoys lifelong learning, exploring new ideas, and spending time with family. Whether teaching nieces and nephews to ski, attending lectures, reading history and social theory, or discovering new music, he is always curious about the world and eager to learn something new.
CREATING STUDENT SUCCESS
David is passionate about creating environments where young people can develop confidence, curiosity, and a sense of belonging. He believes that students achieve their greatest growth when they are surrounded by supportive relationships, challenged to think deeply, and encouraged to discover their unique strengths and contributions.