Arthur L. Mitchell

Arthur L. “Al” Mitchell was inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame in 2005 for his deep and longstanding support to Emory & Henry athletics during his tenure on staff at the college.  Mitchell was known for his enthusiasm on the Wasps sideline, accompanied in later years by his cane, which he called his “Spirit Stick” and waved it in the air any time E&H put points on the board.

While a student, Mitchell’s activities included student body president, editor of the campus newspaper, and membership in both the Calliopean Literary Society and the Beta Lambda Zeta social fraternity. Though he never participated in athletics while a student at the college, as a member of the E&H staff, Mitchell was known for his presence at nearly every varsity athletic event.  In 1987, Mitchell was the recipient of the “Twelfth Man” award from the E&H football team in honor of his devotion. In 1994, the college celebrated “Al Mitchell Day” during basketball season and recognized his often boisterous support by giving him his own referee’s jersey and whistle.

Mitchell received a master’s degree from Columbia University and began a career in education.  He taught in public school in Charlottesville, Bristol, and Marion before joining the staff of Emory & Henry College until his retirement in 1992.  His tenure at the college included the positions of director of admissions, director of publicity, sports information director, financial aid officer, and registrar.

During his time at Emory & Henry, Mitchell was bestowed numerous awards for his service, including the Earnest E. and Elizabeth C. Maiden award in 1990, the DeFriece Award in 1996, and the Distinctive Service to Emory & Henry Award, given by the E&H Alumni Association, in 1993.  He was the first ever recipient of this award.  In 2005, the Alumni Association honored him by naming the A.L. Mitchell Young Alumnus of the Year Award in his honor.

Arthur L. Mitchell passed away at age 80 on March 19, 2007.