With dedication to collegiate mental health and wellness, Sharon L. Mitchell ’84 has transformed college counseling practices and positively impacted the lives of thousands of students.
Mitchell earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology and a Minnesota Teaching License Certificate in social studies education from Carleton, then went on to earn a master’s degree and PhD in counseling psychology from The Ohio State University. She worked for the University of Delaware and Boston University before joining the University at Buffalo, where she is now senior director of student wellness and the director of counseling services. “There are students and alumni who are alive today due to her efforts,” writes one nominator, “and thousands more who are thriving because of the care and compassion Sharon brings to her work.”
Mitchell’s research, leadership, and commitment to equity have impacted the counseling landscape. While serving on the Delaware State Board of Examiners of Psychologists, she successfully challenged the evidence base for requiring two years of postdoctoral experience for licensure, which was an economic barrier disproportionately impacting women and young professionals of color. She has authored 15 publications and serves on the editorial board for the Journal of College Student Psychotherapy. She previously served on the editorial board of the Journal for College Student Development.
Mitchell served on the board of directors for the Association for University and College Counseling Center Directors (AUCCCD) for more than a decade, including three years as president during the global COVID-19 pandemic and the pivot to telehealth services. As a board member, she pushed to expand AUCCCD membership to community colleges and advocated for greater discipline diversity within the organization. In recognition of her leadership, she was given the Lifetime Achievement Award, the AUCCCD’s highest honor, in 2021. In 2023, she was also honored with the Award for Distinguished Professional Contributions to Institutional Practice from the American Psychological Association (APA). Mitchell lives in Buffalo, New York.