Mr. William Haynes Mitchell Jr.

William Mitchell, Jr. was a native of Dunbar, West Virginia; where he received his primary and secondary education. He earned his baccalaureate degree in Vocational Agriculture and Biology from West Virginia State College in 1952. Mr. Mitchell served as an officer in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. Upon his return to civilian life, he enrolled in graduate studies at Perdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. He received the M.S. degree in Animal Science in 1958. He came to North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University as an instructor in the Biology Department, then part of the School of Agriculture, in 1958. While continuing to teach here he earned the M.S. degree in Biology and Animal Ecology from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 1973.

As a faculty member, Mr. Mitchell taught a variety of courses for both biology and non-major students. He served on the committee that designed Barnes Hall. In the early 1970’s he and Dr. Alfred Hill were awarded a National Science Foundation grant to implement the Zoology Audio-tutorial Laboratory – an innovative approach which emphasized student-paced learning. He served as director of this program until 2001. Mr. Mitchell was promoted to the rank of Assistant Professor in 1970.

Mr. Mitchell distinguished himself as a teacher, mentor, and advisor to thousands of students. He was named the Outstanding Freshman Advisor of the College of Arts and Sciences in 1979. He was also active in other aspects of student life. He advised the Biology Club, the Health Professions Club, and organized numerous activities for these students. He was the scoreboard operator for university football games until 1996. He conducted science reviews for students preparing to take the National Teachers Examination. He served on the College of Arts and Sciences Recruitment Committee, making numerous trips to acquaint students with the educational opportunities at A&T. He advised area high school science teachers about science fairs, curricula matters, and conducted workshops for them during the summer. He was among a select group of faculty who devoted themselves to excellence in teaching. He is respected by his peers, students, and the community.

Mr. Mitchell was married to Lucyann G. Mitchell and is the father of two children: Sgt. William Mitchell, III and Mrs. Lorin Florence. He is also proud of his five grandchildren – SFC. Andre’ Footman, Bethany F. Hepokoski, Micah Florence, Alysha Mitchell, William Mitchell IV “Zoe”; nephews, J. Reginald Coleman and John W. Coleman, Jr.; cousin, Dr. Langley A. Spurlock of Washington, D.C.; great nieces, Maria Cook and Keyonne Brown; great great nephew, E.J. Cook.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, November 16, 2013 at 1:00 p.m., at Hanes-Lineberry N. Elm Chapel. A reception will follow the service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to NC A&T University Foundation, Inc. for biology students in memory of William H. Mitchell, Jr., P.O. Box 20366, Greensboro, NC 27420.

Audio and written condolences may be made at www.haneslineberryfuneralhomes.com