Aneil Kumar Mishra

Dr. Aneil Kumar Mishra passed away on August 4, 2024, in Towson, Maryland. He was 62. Aneil was born to missionary parents, Dr. Vishwa (Vic) Mohan Mishra and Irma Ruth Hutchins Mishra in New Delhi, India on May 9, 1962. He grew up in East Lansing and Okemos, Michigan, attending Red Cedar Elementary School and Okemos High School. Aneil attended Princeton University where he graduated with an A.B. in Economics, cum laude, and The University of Michigan, where he received his Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior.

Professionally, Aneil left a significant mark in academia as a Business School Professor at Penn State, Wake Forest University, and East Carolina University, where he was the Tom Arthur professor of leadership. The combination of his passion for student success and leadership skills led him to serve as the Dean of the College of Business and Economics at Towson University. Through his writing, collaboration, and consultation, Aneil enabled numerous business leaders, organizations and companies to succeed and increase their impact. He and his wife, Karen, co-authored numerous books on key principles of trust and organizational management.

Aneil valued most his personal relationships and his faith in Christ. Aneil's mother died when he was 12 leaving him to help his father raise two younger brothers. He made great sacrifices to be a surrogate parent, cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping and rearing children. He instilled in them strong values and faith in God as his mother and father had instilled in him. Aneil applied his faith in all he did, treating others with kindness and compassion, especially those less fortunate. He shared these early learnings with his children who are shining examples of his character.

He was an avid reader and lifelong intellectual. Aneil often juggled several books at once, and had a particular fondness for history and science fiction. His weekends were frequently spent cheering for the University of Michigan football team, reading the Wall Street Journal, watching movies, listening to his eclectic taste in music, or enjoying time at the beach. Aneil's deep faith was evident in his commitment to memorizing and sharing Bible passages with his loved ones, and supporting new pastors in India through India Gospel League.

Aneil married his highschool sweetheart. Together they raised two incredible children and navigated life's challenges and joys for nearly four decades. Aneil maintained deep friendships throughout his life. His family and friends will forever remember his infectious laugh, his keen intellect, sharp wit and rich sense of humor.

He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Karen, his children, Maggie and Jack; brothers Allan (Stephanie), Anand (Kimberley), Andrew (Samantha), Alex (Laura); sister Jenny; adoptive mother Sally; uncle Paul Hutchins (Mildred); and several loving nieces and nephews. Aneil was preceded in death by his father Vic, mother Ruth, aunt Eulaine Nix, and sister-in-law Lisa Repaskey. He also leaves behind his beloved Yorkipoo, Kona.

A celebration of Aneil's life will be held on September 1st at 3 pm at St. John's Episcopal Church in Wilmington, NC. Ruck Funeral Home in Towson, MD is assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Aneil's memory may be made to the Carolina Headache Foundation at 6114 Fayetteville Rd, Ste 109, Durham, NC 27713, where he served as a board member and previous board chair.