Remembering Dr. Charles Mitchell: The People's President
This November, Seattle Colleges affiliates and community members gathered in Husky Stadium to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Charles H. Mitchell, former Seattle Central College President and later Seattle Colleges District Chancellor. Dr. Mitchell passed away peacefully on June 27 at the age of 85, leaving behind a legacy that continues to shape the college and the city he loved.
After his tenure as a star athlete—first with the Huskies and then the NFL for six years—Mitchell transitioned into a robust career in public service. Mitchell joined Seattle Central College first as Dean of Students in 1981 and later as its eighth president, and in 2003, stepped up into the role of Chancellor.
Fondly known as “the people’s president,” Dr. Mitchell led with humility, vision, and a deep belief in students’ potential. Under his leadership, the college earned Time Magazine’s 2001 “College of the Year” distinction, a national recognition that reflected not only the college's academic success, but a campus culture built on access, community, and excellence.
According to those who knew him, Dr. Mitchell balanced composure and excellence with a genuine neighborly attitude. Though he carried himself with a legendary swagger, he maintained an open-door policy and valued real, honest conversations with every affiliate of the college, from faculty, to students, to custodial staff.
His influence reached beyond just policy and accolades. It lived in how people treated each other—in hallways, classrooms, and community gatherings. He was someone who talked the talk and walked the walk, demonstrating that leadership meant listening, showing up, and setting high expectations for everyone, including himself.
Today, his mission to center community in education is still championed at Seattle Central— upheld by both those who worked alongside him and those inspired by his example.
This month, we asked current and retired Seattle Central staff and faculty what they would say if they had one minute to speak to Dr. Mitchell now. Here’s what they said:
“I really appreciate everything you have done for this college. I am honored to have learned and worked under your leadership.” -Yvonne Chandler, faculty
“Thank you, sir. Thank you for everything that you did, everything that you said, and the difference that you made in our school, in our community, and in my life.” -Carl Livingston, faculty
“Thank you for the opportunity to bring high school kids onto a college campus and keep them moving in the right direction.” -Dr. John German, former principal of Middle College
“Thank you, Doctor Mitchell, and to your family, whom I grew to know, your wife and your son. Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to share your vision and to give you accolades forever.” -Minnie Collins, faculty
“Thank you for everything you did for Central. We hope to live up to your legacy.” -Jay McLean-Riggs, faculty
“Thank you. I appreciate you and I stand on your shoulders—I hope I’ve done you proud.” -Marilyn McCamey, staff
“I hope we’ve lived up to your legacy—I believe I have. I believe if he saw me today, he would say, ‘well done.’” -Dr. Kimberly McRae, staff