February 19, 2004

Obituary: Robert Neuschel

Robert Neuschel, 84, a popular professor at the Kellogg School of Management who designed the first course ever on managerial leadership and a former director of the University’s Transportation Center, died Monday, Feb. 9, after several months of declining health.

“The Kellogg School family has lost not only a premier educator, but a beloved leader, colleague and dear friend,” said Kellogg’s Dean Dipak C. Jain.

For the last 25 years, Professor Neuschel, who was a professor of management and strategy, taught corporate governance and leadership at the Kellogg School and Northwestern.

Designed in 1983, the first managerial leadership course that Professor Neuschel created and taught proved to be one of the most sought-after graduate courses.

Professor Neuschel, who earned an MBA from Harvard Business School, authored more than 125 articles on a wide range of management subjects and co-authored the book “Emerging Issues in Corporate Governance.”

Teaching, which was his second profession after a successful business career, came naturally to him. His classes were popular and his students loyal.

“In his years at Kellogg, Bob Neuschel made significant contributions to the school’s courses in leadership,” said Robert Magee, senior associate dean, faculty and research. “His love of our students, his zest for teaching and his commitment to Kellogg serve as examples for all of us.”

From 1979 to 1992, Professor Neuschel directed the Transportation Center. At the time of his death, he had been serving on a national task force entitled “The World in 2010,” which acts as a think tank to assist the U.S. Secretary of Energy in shaping national energy policies.

After six years of active military duty, which included service in the Philippines under General Douglas MacArthur in World War II, he retired as a captain in the Army Air Corps.

Professor Neuschel is survived by his wife, Virginia; two daughters, one son, six grandchildren and one great-grandchild.