A STEADY HAND
Mitchelson steered Pirate ship through turbulent waters
As Interim Chancellor Ron Mitchelson prepares to hand over the helm to East Carolina University’s 12th chancellor, Dr. Philip Rogers, he said he is grateful for the opportunity to lead the university he’s called home for more than 20 years, and for the support he’s received from the university community.
“It has just been a privilege, a real honor, to end my career in this manner,” said Mitchelson, who will retire this summer. “We always want our students to have a capstone experience at the end so they can take what they’ve learned and put it to work. Well, I think I’ve taken what I’ve learned over the years, over the decades, and put it to work in the last 18 months in a way that I think I can be proud of.”
A young Ron Mitchelson, he said, would be shocked to see his future self occupying the executive office in Spilman Building. He has hesitated at times, he said, when presented the opportunity to lead, but has generally said yes. “And in hindsight, I’m really glad I said ‘yes.’”
The son of a New York state dairy farmer who did carpentry work on the side, Mitchelson identifies strongly with ECU’s blue collar identity.
(Video by Reed Wolfley)
“We have students who come from all walks of life … and that social mobility that we equip our students with is something I really gravitated to and love,” he said. “We work hard for what we get.”
It was in high school, in the home of his future wife, Sarah, that he was first drawn to the idea of a career in higher education. Her father was a university math professor, and Mitchelson enjoyed the conversations about important topics the family had at the dinner table. He already had an affinity for geography, and the road forward began to clarify.
He said he remembers sitting in the back seat of the family car with an atlas as a child, navigating for his father. As Mitchelson’s teaching career began at the University of Georgia and continued at Morehead State University in Kentucky, he realized that there is a range of career fields that can benefit from a geography background.
“I have students with corporations, I have students with agencies like the Central Intelligence Agency and the like,” he said. “So to me geography is a key form of intelligence and the corporate world needs it, national security needs it, and so there are a lot of ways you can go with it. I started to figure that out and have helped a lot of students figure that out as well.”
Mitchelson has contracted with the CIA, analyzing Israeli investments in the West Bank, and for the U.S. Department of State, helping determine border disputes and the allotment of valuable natural resources. There were even meetings, he said, where he wouldn’t be told where he was going.
“I remember visiting Langley once, and … we were walking down this hallway, and all of a sudden, they pushed me up against the wall and said, ‘Don’t turn around.’ I didn’t turn around,” he said. “Apparently somebody I wasn’t supposed to see was coming down the hall.”
Interim Chancellor Ron Mitchelson has spent more than 20 years as a faculty member and administrator at ECU. (Contributed photos)
But it’s working with students that he enjoys the most, which is why he’s done something unusual for a chancellor — taught a class.
“That’s always been the most fun for me; I really enjoy being with those young minds,” he said. “I’ve taught for 35 years in the classroom, and then there were some years where I didn’t teach, as a vice chancellor or provost. And I thought, if I’m going to retire, then I’ve got to get back in the classroom before it’s done.
“I’m just excited to share some of the geographic knowledge that is between my ears with them on a daily basis.”
Teaching virtually wasn’t what he had in mind, but he’s embraced it, and his students have as well — “They’re engaged, they’re doing the work,” he said.
Navigating through the pandemic has been a challenge, and last fall’s pivot to online instruction was a disappointment, Mitchelson said.
However, with the lessons learned from the fall — less density, more testing, plentiful on-campus space for quarantine and isolation, and better buy-in from the campus community — the spring semester is going much better. Mitchelson has also helped the university tackle challenges related to financial shortfalls and conflicts in governance. In the longer term, he said, he’s proud of the progress ECU has made in terms of its mission of student success and regional transformation.
He’s also pleased that the university is led from a more data-driven position, he said.
“The first thing I do every day is check the numbers,” he said. “I’ve always been sort of a numbers guy, and I believe in managing from an informed platform. So I check the COVID-19 numbers and the recruitment cycle every single day. Here we are in late February and we’re 15% ahead of last year in terms of completed applications, so I’m pleased with where we’re headed.”
Ron and Sarah Mitchelson have been together since high school.
ECU has a lot to be proud of, he said, and is well positioned for the future.
“I’m pleased with the metrics — the graduation rate, retention. We’re still bringing in more students from Tier 1 and Tier 2 distressed counties than any university in the system, and I’m proud of that,” he said. Funding for research, teaching and service projects are also showing positive trends, he added.
He encourages students to be engaged, to remember the value of a college education and to take advantage of second chances. There was a time, he said, when he wasn’t the best student, but he turned things around and it has led to a successful career. There were also times when he got into his share of trouble.
“Christmas is always a big deal in the Mitchelson household,” he said. “And you have to have a tree. So I’m at the University of Buffalo, and I’m with my friends and it’s our first year. We decided, ‘Let’s go find a tree.’ So we start marching around the landscape of the campus looking for a tree, and we spot a beautiful blue spruce … and we cut the top out of this tree.
“We got it down and we dragged it up to the dorm, across the snow and up the stairs to the lounge on the 11th floor. Well, unfortunately we cut the top out of the blue spruce in front of the university president’s house, and the police followed the trail of needles all the way up to the lounge.”
Mitchelson and his friends didn’t go to jail, though he said they probably should have.
“But we did have to repaint the basement of our dorm as compensation for our misjudgments,” he said.
(Video by Reed Wolfley)
View this video on YouTube for closed-captioning.
The moral of the story?
“Leave the chancellor’s stuff alone,” Mitchelson said.
As he nears retirement this summer after 40 years in higher education, he hopes to be able to attend baseball games in person and plans to spend more time being active.
“Other than that I just want to be supportive to the new chancellor,” he said. “We have a great new chancellor coming in, and whatever I can do to support him is what I want to do for the remainder (of my time at ECU).”
Mitchelson said he has had a great career at three universities. “But ECU has been my favorite stop and my favorite color: purple,” he said. “I think we really do have this secret sauce of engagement. We get the students engaged inside the classroom and outside the classroom. It takes a community, but I think that’s what we’ve formed here.”
As both a faculty member and a leader of the university, Mitchelson has embraced and relied on the campus community, and the community has returned the favor.
“I’ll be eternally grateful for that,” he said.
Mitchelson, pictured here in Scotland with wife Sarah, will retire this June.
THANK YOU NOTES
Pirate Nation has no shortage of thank yous for Dr. Ron Mitchelson’s service to East Carolina. Send your own thank you note by using the hashtag #ThanksRonM on Twitter.
“The right Pirate was there at the right moment in our history. Our university has been blessed by the leadership and service of Dr. Ron Mitchelson.”
Vern Davenport
Chair, ECU Board of Trustees
“Dr. Mitchelson has been a blessing for this university and for me as a professional. Transitioning from institutional leadership instability through a global pandemic and paving the way for the future growth of ECU is nothing short of remarkable. He is a model leader and motivational driver who demonstrates all this is good in the world. It’s been an honor to know and work with him.”
Chris Stansbury
Associate Vice Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer for Student Affairs
“Thank you Dr. Mitchelson for being such an approachable and genuine leader! Your unwavering support of East Carolina University and its students, faculty and staff has NEVER been more apparent and needed than during the last 12 months. Pirate Nation wishes you fair winds and following seas – Forever A Pirate!”
Dr. Erik Kneubuehl
Associate Vice Chancellor of Student Involvement and Leadership
“Ron, the epitome of a servant leader, has been a consistent, strong, impactful leader for our university. In every role he has served ECU, he has been a staunch advocate of doing what is right for the institution. His recurring messages of being respectful, being grateful and staying true to the mission of ECU have and will continue to resonate with me. Thank you, Ron, for inspiring, empowering and influencing positive change. I am grateful for you and your friendship.”
Dr. Virginia Hardy
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
“Thank you for being a living embodiment of John C. Maxwell’s Law of Solid Ground. The law states a leader is one of solid character, full of integrity and authenticity. You have been that for East Carolina University when it was needed the most.”
Mr. Alton R. Daniels II
Technology Support Analyst
“All of Pirate Nation thanks you for your dedication and service to ECU. Personally, I have learned so much about leadership from you. I am a better leader, better employee, a better person for having worked with you over these last several years. Thank you!”
Christopher Dyba
Vice Chancellor for Advancement
“You answered the call to lead Pirate Nation and for that we are grateful. Thank you for keeping student success, public service and regional transformation at the center of our daily work. Know as you depart, you made a difference in the life of this great University.”
Christopher Locklear
Chief of Staff
“Ron is a wonderful human and one of the most genuinely selfless and generous people I’ve been honored to know and work for. I thank him for leading ECU and for being there for me professionally and personally, and I wish him the happy and restful retirement he deserves! All of the Griffiths will miss him and Sarah greatly.”
Madeleine Bade Griffith
Executive Assistant to the Provost
“You would be hard pressed to find a better Pirate to lead us through a stormy 15 months. Thank you Dr. Mitchelson for your leadership, compassion, courage and inspiration. I’m proud to have served under you and to call you a friend. Go Pirates!”
Dr. Grant Hayes
Interim Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
“Getting to know and work with Dr. Mitchelson has been a very rewarding experience. He has displayed much needed stable leadership at the helm of the Pirate Nation for a rather challenging and unique year. Dr. Mitchelson is a true Pirate at heart and has streamlined my job as a student advocate due to his deep understanding and compassion of student needs. Thank you, Dr. Mitchelson, for your 20-year legacy at ECU. You are a living example of our motto, servire!”
Tucker Robbins
SGA President
“Dr. Ron Mitchelson embraces the very spirit and essence of what it means to be a servant leader. We are all the beneficiaries of his many contributions to ECU. His passion for Pirate Nation, its mission and its people are unmatched and I’m certain history will see his leadership as the stabilizing force ECU needed at just the right moment in time. Thank you Ron for your dedication and for answering the call to serve.”
Dr. Philip Rogers
Chancellor-Elect
“Congratulations on your upcoming retirement, Ron. Thank you for your exceptional leadership and for the many faculty and students who you’ve inspired over the years. ECU is a better place because of your hard work, passion, dedication and enthusiasm. You’ve been a great mentor and friend and I will miss you greatly. I wish you all the best as you transition to the next chapter of your journey.”
Scott Francis
Associate Vice Chancellor for Alumni Relations
President, ECU Alumni Association
“Thank you for reminding us to be grateful. You’ve always kept your eye on the mission and ECU is better because of that. As you dive into your next chapter, remember: Once a Pirate, Always a Pirate! Thanks for everything, Chancellor RonM. You are the epitome of a servant leader, and I’m grateful to have worked beside you.”
Jeannine Manning Hutson
Chief Communications Officer
“If East Carolina University had a best friend, it would be Dr. Ron Mitchelson. He has done as much for ECU as anyone in recent memory. Like Dr. Leo Jenkins, he is a legend on our campus. I am a better person for having worked along side him!”
Chris Sutton
Captain of Patrol for ECU Police
“Congratulations and best wishes as you take this next big step in your life! It has been an honor to work under your leadership. Thank you for your wisdom, dedication and for all you have done for ECU. You have made a lasting difference and steered the ship so well! I know you will enjoy retirement and the opportunities it offers for sharing your many talents with others. Enjoy your traveling time, baseball and the title you portray so well, ‘Poppy!'”
Hannah Cooke
Executive Assistant to the Chancellor
“Proud and truly honored to work alongside Chancellor RonM the past 18 months. Thank you for your leadership, commitment and service to Pirate Nation! ECU has been fortunate to have you at the helm leading the Pirate ship. Best wishes to you on your retirement! Now go enjoy some Atlanta Braves baseball and being a full-time Poppy to the grandkids!”
Christy Daniels
Assistant to the Chancellor
“Dr. Mitchelson has long been an advocate for ECU’s health sciences division, and never more so than during some of its most defining and challenging moments. His support of our colleges and schools and their missions set a standard for leadership well into the future. His invaluable contributions to ECU’s health sciences will impact generations to come.”
Dr. Mark Stacy
Vice Chancellor, Division of Health Sciences
Dean, Brody School of Medicine