Weber State University Honors the Legacy of Dr. Steven Eichmeier

OGDEN, Utah – Weber State University mourns the passing of Dr. Steven H. Eichmeier, who passed away on January 1, 2025, at the age of 83. Dr. Eichmeier’s profound impact as an educator and leader will forever be etched into the history of the Department of Professional Sales.
Dr. Eichmeier joined Weber State University in 1968 as the original faculty member hired to create a program for sales education. Under his vision and guidance, the department evolved into the Distributive Education program and eventually the Department of Sales and Service Technology, home to the nation’s first four-year degree in Technical Sales. Over his remarkable 52-year tenure, Dr. Eichmeier transformed the lives of countless students with his commitment to excellence and his passion for teaching for what is now the Department of Professional Sales, supported by the Alan E. Hall Sales Center for Excellence. 

Along with teaching marketing, supervision, and customer service courses, he specialized in preparing students for career success through interview strategies and resume development. A dedicated educator and faculty-student advisor, Dr. Eichmeier
believed that his purpose was rooted in serving students. His teaching philosophy was simple yet profound: “The reason I am here is for the students,” he would say. Even after retiring in 2020, his greatest joy and deepest longing remained the connections he
cultivated with his students.

"While Steve was an excellent educator, his impact on my life went well beyond that. He invested in me personally with his sincere encouragement and confidence-building belief in me.  While we became close friends, I know that his impact on me wasn’t
unique as he loved and served in “just his way” with so many students and, ultimatelymany others.  Steve has always been “people-first” on a very individual basis.  He will be missed but his impact and legacy will carry on as so many of us look to replicate his nature to those around us”, said Jason Beardall, WSU Professional Sales Alumni and CEO of England Logistics.

Dr. Eichmeier’s legacy extends beyond the classroom. His vision and dedication laid the foundation for one of Weber State University’s most impactful programs, fostering a tradition of excellence in professional sales education that continues to thrive today.

WSU Professional Sales Faculty Advisor Paige Young stated, “I had the incredible opportunity to serve as Dr. Eichmeier’s student aide from 2013 to 2016. Students would often line up outside his office, seeking his guidance. Every student who emerged from
his advisement sessions seemed more energized and optimistic about their academic path. Dr. Eichmeier had a unique ability to alleviate their stress, offering not only a clear roadmap to graduation but also instilling the confidence that they could
succeed. He lived by the philosophy that students were the department's primary focus, and we had a responsibility to serve them with the highest level of care. He didn’t just teach the importance of customer service; he embodied it in every interaction, setting a
standard for excellence. Working alongside him transformed my life, shaping my professional trajectory and deepening my understanding of what it means to be truly invested in the success of others.”

His vision, dedication, and lifelong commitment to students and education will continue to inspire future generations.

Funeral information may be found at https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/steven-eichmeier-
obituary?id=57192373