David Merrill is professor emeritus at Utah State University. Since receiving his PhD from the University of Illinois in 1964 he has served on the faculty of George Peabody College, Brigham Young University-Provo, Stanford University, the University of Southern California, Utah State University, Florida State University and BYU Hawaii (as a missionary volunteer). He served a service mission at BYU Hawaii where he helped faculty put course online. Since retiring he has taught online courses at Florida State University, BYU Hawaii, and Utah State University.