David Taylor

David Taylor was inducted into the inaugural College of Applied Human Sciences Hall of Fame in the fall of 2025. He was previously inducted into the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences Hall of Fame in 2018.

Taylor earned a Bachelor of Science in physical education with a minor in athletic training from West Virginia University in 1996. A distinguished military graduate of WVU Army ROTC in 1997, he was commissioned as an infantry officer and went on to serve 24 years in the United States Army, including most of his career in special operations forces.

An Army Ranger, Taylor held multiple leadership assignments with the 75th Ranger Regiment and the Joint Special Operations Command. He deployed to combat eight times, six of which were with special operations task forces targeting high-ranking terrorist leaders. While serving at the Pentagon, he contributed to decision-making processes for the nation’s most senior military and civilian leadership, including matters of homeland security and issues requiring presidential-level approval.

His final Army assignment was as a battalion commander with the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), overseeing soldiers responsible for ceremonial duties and laying the nation’s fallen to rest at Arlington National Cemetery. In that role, he led efforts to secure formal Army recognition for his soldiers, resulting in changes to pay structure and the establishment of a new skill identifier. His military awards include the Legion of Merit and four Bronze Star Medals.

Following his military career, Taylor became chief executive officer of LDR Leadership, a company specializing in performance management and leadership training. He has guided the organization through growth and expansion while overseeing training design and program management. Taylor also earned a master’s degree in leadership from Georgetown University and completed a management certificate at the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth.

Taylor was a member of the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences Visiting Committee from 2019-2022 and supports nonprofit organizations, including Team Rubicon and Horton’s Kids.