David Weltman
Neeley School of Business
Texas Christian University
“David Weltman is an outstanding educator, who brings his professional experience with IBM Corporation and other highly regarded corporations to the classroom. Students value his experience, teaching style and the ways he brings real-world application to the classroom.
“In 2024, Dr. Weltman received special recognition as the Neeley Fellows (class of 2025) most outstanding professor in their three-year honors program. In that same year, he was the Neeley school’s sole nominee for the highly competitive, university-wide undergraduate teaching award. He has advised several Honors students on their thesis papers. After graduation, many continue to seek and receive career and technical advice from him.
“At Neeley, we pride ourselves on connecting academia to industry. Dr. Weltman showcases this in his classroom and through programs that incorporate real corporate challenges for students to provide solutions. He regularly advises and leads TCU student teams in national Business Analytics case competitions. In the past, these teams have often placed among the top three, recently twice winning the entire competition, and always receiving high praise from senior business leaders involved as judges of their work.” – Neeley School of Business nomination
David Weltman, 63, is a Professor of Supply Chain Practice and an Honors Faculty Fellow at the Neeley School of Business, Texas Christian University. During his tenure at TCU, he has been fortunate to teach in nearly all of Neeley’s premier programs, including Executive MBA, Full-Time MBA, Master of Science in Business Analytics, and the prestigious Neeley Fellows program.
Weltman is especially proud of a new course in Business Data Science he created for the Neeley Fellows—TCU’s premier undergraduate business honors program. In 2024, he received special recognition as the cohort’s most outstanding professor in their three-year program. That same year, he was the Neeley School’s nominee for the University-wide Undergraduate Teaching Award. He has twice earned the Undergraduate Teaching Award for excellence in a core course across all Neeley departments (2013–2014 and 2018–2019 academic years).
He frequently advises and leads TCU student teams in national business analytics case competitions. These teams have consistently performed at the highest level—often finishing in the top three, twice taking first place nationally, and earning high praise from senior business leaders who serve as judges. Weltman has also supervised numerous Honors students on their theses.
Since 2007, he has published 15 peer-reviewed papers with 548 citations. His research continues to inform his teaching and drive innovation in the classroom.
BACKGROUND
At current institution since: 2012
Education: B.S. in Engineering Management, Southern Methodist University; M.S. in Operations Research, Southern Methodist University; M.S. in Information Systems, University of Texas at Arlington; Ph.D. in Applied Business Statistics, University of Texas at Arlington
Undergraduate Courses Taught: Business Statistics, Business Analytics, Supply Chain Management and Analytics, Global Business with an Ethical Lens
LIFE AS A BUSINESS SCHOOL PROFESSOR
I knew I wanted to be a business school professor when … I was a graduate student at Southern Methodist University and I had the opportunity to teach a course in Engineering Finance. I loved the way the math worked and found joy in explaining concepts creatively and practically. The student feedback was positive, and at the age of 23, that experience was both affirming and energizing.
I’m currently researching … ways to incorporate Monte Carlo simulation into student learning. The technique of using random sampling to estimate probability has a long history dating back to the 1940s. Its practical power fascinates me, and I continue to find innovative ways to apply it in the classroom.
If I weren’t a business school professor, I’d be … consulting, training, or teaching in some capacity—anything that allows me to keep learning and explaining. Or perhaps I would be a professional tennis player in another life!
What makes me stand out as a professor: Probably my energy and enthusiasm for teaching and maybe a subconscious desire to be a stand-up comedian or game-show host. I come to every class prepared with a deep understanding of the material and give each session everything I’ve got. I also take pride in being a strong coach and motivator.
One word that describes my first time teaching: Adrenaline (with a touch of showmanship!).
What I wish someone had told me about being a professor: Be prepared—actually, be overprepared. Keep your content relevant and fresh. Genuinely care about your students. And above all, have fun.
Professor I most admire: Dr. Jeffery L. Kennington, who gave me the opportunity to attend graduate school. A brilliant scholar, teacher, and mentor, Jeff was supportive, funny, and generous with his time. He made a lasting difference for me—and for countless others.
TEACHING BUSINESS STUDENTS
What I enjoy most: I love the analytical nature of business decision-making. It’s nerdy, but discovering an optimal inventory policy or dissecting a complex net present value scenario can feel magical. Teaching keeps me current with ever-evolving technologies and trends, which I find both challenging and invigorating.
Most challenging aspect: Adapting to constant change—new technologies, learning styles, and ways to measure understanding, especially at scale.
Favorite type of student: Thoughtful
Least favorite type of student: Apathetic
How students describe my grading: Hard, yet fair.
LIFE OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM
Hobbies: Keeping up with current events, spending time outdoors, cycling, and lots of tennis.
Summer plans: This summer, I’ll lead a study abroad group in Global Business Ethics in iconic London. I also plan to complete two research papers involving Monte Carlo analysis, fit in some bicycle touring, and hopefully improve my tennis backhand.
Favorite vacation spots: Ouray, Colorado; the Alaskan coast; Italy.
Favorite books: “The Fountainhead” by Ayn Rand and “The Second Mountain” by David Brooks come to mind.
Favorite shows or movies: The Canadian series “Corner Gas” and the Australian series “Love on the Spectrum” are both charming in their own way. Going back to 1984, “This Is Spinal Tap” still makes me laugh—“These go to eleven!”
Favorite music: Early Simon & Garfunkel and Talking Heads—both were edgy for their time, fun, and layered with meaningful lyrics.
THOUGHTS AND REFLECTIONS
If I had my way, the business school of the future would have more … collaborative teaching and deeper partnerships with both for-profit and nonprofit organizations. Faculty often operate like independent contractors, but there’s so much value in learning from each other. I’d love to see more co-taught courses with fully engaged faculty, sharing ideas and approaches. Partnerships with organizations also give students practical, hands-on experience with real-world problems and emerging technologies, while giving companies access to fresh perspectives and future talent.
In my opinion, companies today need to do a better job at … doing the right thing. That means focusing not only on profitability but also on purpose—balancing organizational success with social responsibility. As we navigate the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence, leaders must ensure this powerful technology benefits society as a whole.
I’m grateful for … my spouse, brother, family, friends, students, colleagues—and my parents, who instilled in me a sense of humor, a strong work ethic, and a lifelong love of learning and living.
DON’T MISS THE ENTIRE ROSTER OF 2025’s 50 BEST UNDERGRADUATE BUSINESS SCHOOL PROFESSORS.
© Copyright 2026 Poets & Quants. All rights reserved. This article may not be republished, rewritten or otherwise distributed without written permission. To reprint or license this article or any content from Poets & Quants, please submit your request HERE.
