Remembering Dr. Pokharel

Dr. Pokharel was a dedicated member of the CU Faculty.
Photo Courtesy of Concord University

2016 has been noted by many as a year that has seen the deaths of many important men and women. Concord University students and staff have recently said goodbye and farewell to another member of the Concord family. On August 4, 2016, Dr. Mohan Pokharel, associate professor of management in Concord’s Division of Business, passed away. Originally from the nation of Nepal, he lived in Blacksburg, Virginia. He first joined the staff of Concord University in 2011. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Law from Tribhuvan University, Katmandu, Nepal, a Master’s degree in International Affairs from Columbia University and earned his Ph.D. in Organization Theory/Public Management from Virginia Tech. Before coming to Concord University, he taught previously at both Virginia Tech and the University of Washington-Bothel. His scholarly works focused mainly on topics such as organizational learning, organizational performance and the relationships between the two. His work was featured in academic and business journals such as “The International Journal of Organizational Theories and Behavior”, “The Journal of Workplace Learning” and “Nonlinear Dynamics in Psychology and Life Sciences.” 

    During his tenure at Concord University, he taught several classes, such as the capstone course in Strategic Management and Advanced Topics and Management. To his students, he was known for being informative and earnest in his lectures as well as being passionate in engaging his students, so that they understood the topics being presented to them. On the website ratemyprofessors.com, Dr. Pokharel sported an overall quality rating of 4.1 out of 5. User mgnta said: “Dr. P. is a(n) awesome professor. He relates every theory to current business events from the Wall Street Journal or other Business Magazines. Makes sure every student understand(s) material and takes time to help and more importantly inspire students. He is the best professor that I know. Take his class, if you can.” Another user, Bus470, had this to say: “Awesome class. Teaches with humor and humility. He is always there for encouragement and support Class is work heavy and tests are challenging (i mean it is a capstone) but well worth the time and effort.” 

    Those that worked with Dr. Pokharel, much like the students he taught, knew him as a man of dedication, humility and passion towards his subject and everything he did in life. It was such dedication to his work that led him to help spearhead an initiative at Concord University to develop an entrepreneurship initiative in an effort to make the area a better place. In his own words, Pokharel said, “The initiative will make space available for students to contemplate business ideas and will propel BIG (Business Idea Generation). It will prepare our students who have business ideas to effectively participate in the State Business Plan Competition and take advantage of WVU-created entrepreneurial infrastructure in the state of West Virginia.” In addition to setting up this initiative, he was also one of the people responsible for Concord University adding a minor in Entrepreneurship. 

    It was that kind of dedication and passion that is the legacy he left behind to his coworkers. President Boggess said, ““Mohan Pokharel was a bright, engaging, and passionate professor committed to improving the lives of each of his students. He touched the lives of his colleagues, students, and many alumni who will remember his impact on their lives for years to come.”  Dr. Susan Robinett, Business Division Chair, agreed, saying, ““Dr. Pokharel was a vibrant faculty member and colleague in our Division. He will be remembered for his zeal and enthusiasm for sharing his knowledge with students. He will be greatly missed.” Concord has lost a valuable member of its faculty, and his legacy will be felt for years to come.