For his personal and professional commitment to his role on the university’s staff and his impact on the university’s community, Marvin Mitchell has been awarded the George J. Howe Distinguished Staff Award.
The annual award recognizes the contributions of an extraordinary University of Louisville staff member who exemplifies the traits of its namesake George J. Howe (humility, generosity and excellence in leadership) as well as the Cardinal Principles. This staff member’s career has had an exceptional impact on the university and its vision of being a great place to learn, work and in which to invest.
Mitchell, senior associate athletic director for student services and diversity, was presented with the award at the 2022 Presidential Excellence Awards banquet, which took place April 18. At its April 21 meeting, the University of Louisville Board of Trustees, along with Interim Athletic Director Josh Heird, acknowledged the award and thanked Mitchell for his service.
“What Marvin means to this university and how much respect his staff have for him, how much respect students have for him, it’s just unbelievable,” said Heird. “To think about the lives he has touched and the student athletes who have come through this place over the past 22 years, I can promise you every one of them remembers, knows and cares about Marvin; but more importantly Marvin remembers, knows and cares about every one of them.”
Mitchell serves as the department’s chief diversity officer and has oversight of academic services, continuing eligibility, student development, student-athlete programming and the Thorntons Academic Center of Excellence operations. He also is the sport administrator for the Cardinals’ track and field and cross-country programs.
“I want to thank everyone who nominated me and recognized the work that I have done over the years,” said Mitchell, who was the school’s first associate athletic director in academics. “I received a lot of special notes from students since the award was announced, and it’s really something to see how my work has impacted so many people.”
Under Mitchell’s leadership, academic success for student-athletes has flourished at UofL. More than half of all student-athletes are consistently named to the Athletic Director’s Honor Roll for maintaining a 3.0 grade-point average each semester. Graduation rates for student-athletes have improved to all-time highs. Computer access, tutorial services, objective-based study halls and a new student retention program are among the significant advancements since Mitchell’s arrival.
Learn more about Marvin Mitchell and join us in congratulating him for his ongoing success.
