Susan Elizabeth Mitchell

It is with a heavy heart that we communicate the passing of Dr. Susan E. Mitchell, Administrator Emerita, who retired from CSUSM in 2007 after over 30 years of service to the CSU. Dr. Mitchell was known for her tireless commitment to students and the University, unquestionable ethical leadership, and genuine caring for all around her. Susan passed away unexpectedly on June 4; she was 67 years old.

Prior to her 11 years at CSUSM, Susan had a longstanding career with San Diego State University Housing and Residence Life; in her final role, Susan served as the Associate Director for Residential Education. During her tenure, Susan was credited for shepherding the development of an intentional educational component of student housing with a focus on academic support and holistic student development. She was passionate about student leadership development and is fondly remembered by many former students with whom she kept in touch via social media some 30 years after their graduation.

In 1996, Susan accepted the charge to develop student housing at CSUSM from a leased portion of an off-campus apartment complex to our University Village Apartments (UVA). Along with two campus colleagues, Susan was an architect of one of the CSU’s first public-private partnership housing ventures, UVA, approved by the Board of Trustees in 2001. After serving as the Director of Housing & Residential Education, Susan served as Interim Dean of Students, Senior Director of Health, Counseling and Disability Support Services, and in 2003, she was named the founding Associate Vice President for Student Academic Support Services (SASS). Among numerous contributions to student success, Susan guided the development of services for former foster youth, what is now ACE Scholars Services, led the implementation of a hybrid academic advising model, provided needed infrastructure for the Centers for Learning and Academic Support Services, and partnered with colleagues in Academic Affairs to create intentional support interventions which increased the retention of first year students. Susan was recognized by Student Affairs with the Sandra R. Kuchler Employee of the Year Award in 2003.

Susan earned a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of San Diego in 1994. In 1995, Susan’s dissertation entitled, Creating Campus Climates that are Free from Sexual Harassment: Implications for Leaders in Higher Education, was recognized by the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA, a leading Student Affairs professional association) with the Melvene D. Hardee Dissertation of the Year Award which recognizes one study in the nation as the best emergent scholarship in the field.

Susan was a dedicated daughter, sister and aunt, a mentor to many she led, and a steadfast friend quick to listen and lend support, and share her keen sense of humor that seemed to appear when least expected. A Celebration of Her Life is scheduled for Monday, June 17, 2:00 pm at the First United Methodist Church of Escondido, 341 S. Kalmia Street, Escondido, 92025. The Mitchell family is finalizing arrangements with the University to establish a scholarship in Susan’s name and requests memorials be directed there. More information will be forthcoming on the scholarship.