Capt. Todd Bechtold

Todd Bechtold has been proudly enrolled in Whiskey University since January 2025, immersing himselfin a spirited journey of discovery, tradition, and craftsmanship. Whiskey University, founded in 2016, offers Certificates, Diplomas, and Degrees as part of a unique credentialing path for whiskey and bourbon enthusiasts. Todd first discovered the program when Colonel Craig shared a post in a local whiskey Facebook group he was active in. Intrigued, Todd jumped in—and never looked back.

His studies began with the Bourbon Whiskey Certificate, which he completed in February 2025 after just five classes. The spark quickly grew into a passion. By March, Todd earned his Whiskey Diploma after eleven courses, followed swiftly by his Associate of Science Degree in April. In June of 2025, he proudly completed his Bachelor of Science with a major in the Bluegrass Region, and only two months later, he achieved his of Bachelor of Arts in Craft Whiskeys. Today, Todd is pursuing two master’s degrees simultaneously—one focused on the Bourbon Capital Region, the other on Tennessee Whiskey.

A South Dakota native, Todd grew up in a rural community before moving to Sioux Falls in 1989. He has dedicated his professional life to the mental health field, holding a Master’s Degree in Counseling and Human Resources. His undergraduate studies were at the University of South Dakota, followed by graduate work at South Dakota State University. Since 1989, Todd has served in various leadership roles in mental health, currently working as Supervisor for Mental Health Services within the largest Rural Health System in the U.S. He also gained executive experience as Director of Admissions with Charter Medical Corporation.

Outside of his career, Todd proudly and honorably served ten years in the South Dakota Army National Guard as a Combat Engineer. He and his wife, Dawn, have shared 28 wonderful years together. Todd is a devoted stepfather and grandfather, blessed with one stepson and two grandchildren.

When he’s not studying whiskey, Todd enjoys football, baseball, fishing, camping, boating, kayaking, and off-road side-by-side riding. He’s a loyal fan of both USD and SDSU football. Bourbon remains one of his great passions, though he and Dawn also love to travel whenever possible. Together, with their two cats, they continue to make their home in Sioux Falls for the past 28 years.

Todd’s whiskey journey technically began back in his college days in 1985—thanks to Windsor Canadian Whiskey, as he likes to joke—but it wasn’t until 2020, during the COVID pandemic, that his appreciation truly deepened. Gathering with fellow bourbon lovers for tastings and spirited discussions sparked a new chapter, one that led him all the way to Whiskey University.

You can reach Todd at teBechtold@WhiskeyUniv.com

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Member, Rebel Yell - Band of Rebels

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