In Memoriam: Van Johnston

February 3, 2026

Dear DU community members,  

We write with the sad news of the passing of Van Johnston, PhD, who served as an emeritus professor in the Daniels College of Business Department of Management. He passed away in January 2026.

Johnston taught at the University of Denver for 39 years and was responsible for starting a management program to support the booming energy sector in the region. His extensive research publications, books, monographs, and teaching focused primarily on public policy issues, though his interests also included organizational behavior and entrepreneurship. He studied the management of several impactful regional projects, such as the development of Denver International Airport and the region’s light rail. Beyond teaching and research, Van served on several editorial boards and was active in the governance of the American Society for Public Administration.

A former captain in the U.S. Air Force, Van was a distinguished visiting professor of management and strategy at the U.S. Air Force Academy. He served as a consultant and trainer for numerous corporations, public service organizations, and the U.S. Office of Personnel Management.  

One of his many remarkable accomplishments is that he taught more than 10,000 DU students over the course of his nearly four-decade career. His colleagues remember him for the many ways he elevated the quality and stature of the Daniels College of Business and its alumni. Van is especially remembered for his friendly smile, his care for his family, his ranch, and his love of college football and golf.

Please join us in conveying our warmest condolences to Professor Van Johnston’s family, friends, colleagues, and former students.  

Sincerely,  
Elizabeth G. Loboa, PhD
Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor

Leslie Hasche, PhD 
Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs