Rodney Napier, a former professor in the Wharton School and co-founder of its organizational consulting and executive coaching program, died on April 6. He was 87.

Born in Philadelphia, Dr. Napier experienced a transient childhood, frequently moving across the United States. After graduating from high school, his family settled in Minnesota, where he attended Carleton College. Shortly after earning his degree, Dr. Napier joined the U.S. Marine Corps to serve as a reservist. Following his military service, Dr. Napier attended the University of Chicago, where he earned his master’s degree in counseling.  After earning his master’s, he joined the African American Institute, traveling to Ghana and teaching geography and coaching athletics at Okuapeman Secondary School in Akropong, Akuapim. Dr. Napier later relocated to Madison, Wisconsin, where he earned his doctorate in behavioral studies from the University of Wisconsin. After graduating, Dr. Napier moved to Philadelphia to teach and mentor at Temple University. He co-created the psycho-educational process program during his time there. He earned tenure at Temple, mentoring countless students and publishing numerous books in the management field.

Dr. Napier joined the Wharton School in 1995 as a lecturer, teaching a course on executive team dynamics and physician leadership.  In 2005, he also took a position as a lecturer in the College of Arts & Sciences’ master of science in organizational dynamics program. He co-founded Penn’s graduate program in organizational consulting and executive coaching (OCEC), leaving a legacy in organizational leadership and development. Dr. Napier designed a curriculum aimed at guiding students towards becoming proficient coaches and consultants. This involved a rigorous study of theory, personalized faculty supervision, and comprehensive advising to help students achieve their goals. He retired from teaching at Penn in 2019.

Dr. Napier is survived by his three daughters; Amma Napier (David Smith), Laura Napier (Doug Claybourne), and Tori Valadao Napier; his granddaughters, Annika and Marlena Napier-Smith and Marea Claybourne-Napier; and his sister, Joan Napier.

A private celebration of Dr. Napier’s life was held for family and friends.

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