In Memoriam: David Gordon

University Mourns Passing of Longtime Management Professor

Date published: May 10, 2017

David Gordon, Ph.D., 78, a University of Dallas professor for 40 years from 1968 to 2008, passed away on April 30, 2017. Gordon taught operations management and directed the industrial management and engineering management programs. In 1997, he received the university's highest faculty award, the King Fellow Award.

Gordon was known for being an optimistic, inspirational professor who impacted the lives of many students during his time at UD. He was held in the highest regard by both his students and his colleagues.

“Because of his engineering background, Dr. Gordon was able to tie engineering and business together,” recalls Michael Leshner, MBA ’87, of many of Gordon’s lessons in the classroom.  “I vividly remember him explaining concepts, such as forecasting, from not just the business perspective, but also from the engineering perspective, which was extremely valuable.”

Outside of the classroom, Gordon also had a successful career as a globally acclaimed consultant. His work led him to 50 countries across six continents.

“Dr. Gordon was a dedicated professor and an accomplished engineer,” said Satish & Yasmin Gupta College of Business Dean Brett J. L. Landry. “As an engineer, he was renowned for his work with companies such as Texas Instruments and Lockheed Martin. As a professor, his teaching has had a lasting impact on his students and colleagues. He leaves behind an unparalleled legacy at the University of Dallas.”

A Dallas native, Gordon graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington with a Bachelor of Science in engineering, from Southern Methodist University with a Master of Science in engineering, and from the University of Oklahoma with a doctorate of engineering. Before joining the University of Dallas faculty in 1968, Gordon worked for Texas Instruments.

He is survived by his spouse, Paula Ann Gordon, and his two children, Commander Jason A. Gordon, M.D., and Rebecca H. Gordon.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of David Gordon to the Jill Stone Tikkun Olam Fund, Temple Emanu-el, 8500 Hillcrest Road, Dallas, Texas, 75225, or the Highland Springs Resident Care Fund, 8010 Frankford Road, #404, Dallas, Texas, 75252.