Seattle is mourning the loss of Dr. Charles Mitchell, a trailblazing educator, athlete, and leader whose lifelong commitment to equity and opportunity transformed the region’s higher education landscape. Dr. Mitchell passed away this week at the age of 85.
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell called him a mentor, friend, and inspiration to many across Seattle.
“I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. Charles Mitchell,” Mayor Harrell said. “A fellow Garfield Bulldog and UW Husky, Dr. Mitchell was a standout athlete and an exceptional chancellor of the Seattle Community Colleges District. His fierce advocacy for diversity in institutions of higher learning created more opportunities for people of color and immigrants at our colleges and universities. His legacy is one we should be proud of in Seattle, and the efforts he led remain incredibly important today. He was a mentor and friend to me and so many others, and I will greatly miss him.”
Born in Seattle in 1940, Mitchell was a product of the city’s public schools, attending T.T. Minor Elementary, Meany Junior High, and Garfield High School. His leadership and drive emerged early. At Garfield, he served as vice president of the student body, contributed to the school newspaper, and formed a “Doo Wop” singing group with friends to stay engaged in positive activities outside of class.
At the University of Washington, Mitchell excelled both academically and athletically, earning a bachelor’s degree while playing running back for the Huskies. He was a member of the 1961 Rose Bowl-winning team and was inducted into the Husky Football Hall of Fame in 1992. Reflecting years later, he spoke candidly about the racial barriers Black athletes faced at the time, noting that opportunities were limited to certain positions. Despite this, his performance on the field was undeniable, leading to a six-year professional football career with the Denver Broncos and Buffalo Bills.
But Mitchell knew his calling extended beyond the gridiron. Inspired by an eighth-grade teacher who challenged him to excel academically as he did in sports, Mitchell pursued education with determination. He earned a master’s degree from Seattle University and later a doctorate in education from Brigham Young University.
After his football career, Mitchell worked as Assistant to the Governor of Colorado and later as Affirmative Action Administrator for King County under Executive John Spellman. In 1981, he joined Seattle Central Community College as Dean of Students, marking the beginning of a transformative era for the institution.
He became president of Seattle Central in 1987, serving for 16 years. Under his leadership, the college expanded enrollment and launched programs to attract students of color and immigrant students. He implemented the innovative “coordinated studies” program, integrating multiple disciplines into themed courses taught collaboratively by faculty teams. This approach earned national recognition, with Time magazine naming Seattle Central “College of the Year” in 2001.
In 2003, Mitchell was appointed Chancellor of the Seattle Community Colleges District, overseeing four campuses and six specialized training centers serving over 55,000 students. He championed policies that advanced diversity, equity, and student success. After retiring in 2008, he continued to support the system by leading its Power & Promise fundraising campaign.
His achievements were recognized with numerous awards, including an honorary Ph.D. from Seattle University, the Charles E. Odegaard Award from UW, and induction into the Pacific Northwest African-American Ethnic Sports Hall of Fame. In 2002, he was named “Father of the Year” by the American Diabetes Association, reflecting his commitment to both family and community.
In a 2007 interview with The Seattle Medium, Mitchell shared that his motivation stemmed from a desire to mentor young Black men and women, just as his family and teachers had mentored him.
“I also knew that by having a leadership role in education, I could play a key part in helping our young Black men and women be successful in life,” he said.
Throughout his career, Mitchell served on numerous boards, including the American Association of Community Colleges, Seattle Art Museum, United Way of King County, and Boys and Girls Clubs, shaping education policy and community programs across the region.
He often spoke about the importance of preparation, faith, and perseverance.
“You need to have faith in yourself and prepare yourself as much as you can,” he once said, recalling his determination to earn his doctorate after being twice denied the college presidency he eventually achieved.
Outside of his professional life, Mitchell cherished time with his family.
“I truly feel I’m living out my God given purpose,” he said. “I think preparation and faith in God have led me to where I am today. I have a wonderful family and career I dreamed of. I definitely feel fulfilled in my life.”
Dr. Charles Mitchell leaves behind a legacy defined by excellence, mentorship, and an unwavering commitment to expanding opportunity for all.
