Tyler Trace joined Colorado Mesa University in 2021 as an adjunct professor and now teaches full-time in the Davis School of Business. He leads courses in Business Law I, Survey of Business Law, and Advanced Business Law and Ethics for the MBA program. Teaching at the college level has long been a dream of his, and he enjoys bringing business law to life through real-world stories and experiences.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of New Mexico, a JD from Northern Illinois University, an LLM in taxation and estate planning from the University of Denver, and a master’s in management with an emphasis in leadership from the American College. With additional professional designations in insurance, tax, and financial planning, he considers himself a lifelong learner who enjoys sharing knowledge with his students.
Before teaching, Trace built a diverse career spanning law, insurance, financial services, hospitality, and entrepreneurship. He has worked as a prosecutor, public defender, and private practice attorney, and currently maintains a practice in Grand Junction focusing on estate planning, probate, business law, and criminal and traffic cases. He has also owned an insurance agency, managed and mentored other agents, invested in real estate, and even opened Massage Envy of Grand Junction, which has grown into a thriving clinic employing 25 people and serving more than 700 members.
In the classroom, he often includes “coaching moments” that connect lessons to practical advice, helping students prepare for life after graduation. His goal is to create a fun, memorable, and meaningful learning environment where students feel empowered to make a difference.