Vol. 18, No. 20	Feb. 18, 1999

Building honors nursing alumna

Mitchell was the first African-American nurse to be employed in a hospital in Delaware. In 1963, she began her career at Delaware State Hospital (now Delaware Psychiatric Center), becoming the director of nursing. She was the first to hold this position in the state, from 1969 until her retirement in 1979. Since then, she has been active in several civic organizations.

Mitchell, who was inducted into the UD Wall of Fame in 1998, serves on the visiting committee of the College of Health and Nursing Sciences and helps to recruit minority students for the School of Nursing.

The Dec. 14 dedication of the building was hosted by Gov. Thomas R. Carper and Secretary of Delaware Health and Social Services Gregg C. Sylvester. At the ceremony, Mitchell was cited as a "highly respected and revered citizen," who has "achieved significant and historical prominence in Delaware," who is "truly an exemplary role model and has graced our state many times over with her commitment and dedication to all in need. "

Among her other honors, Mitchell was named Woman of the Year by the National Association of College Women; received the Award of Merit from the Delaware State Arts Council; was inducted into the Hall of Fame of Delaware Women; and received the Unsung Heroine Award from NAACP.

Photo by Robert Cohen