Dr. James B. Mitchell, Jr.
James B. Mitchell, Jr. received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Rhodes College and his Master of Education and Doctor of Education degrees from The University of Memphis. Dr. Mitchell retired after 34 years of service in the Shelby County School District (TN) where he gained experience as a teacher, human resources supervisor, high school vice-principal and principal, and assistant superintendent of operations. Dr. Mitchell was appointed by the Shelby County Board of Commissioners to serve as the 21st Shelby County Schools’ superintendent. He successfully led this 46,000 student school district with more than 4500 employees. During his years as superintendent, Dr. Mitchell was responsible for a $235 million annual operating budget and more than $131 million in capital projects. He was actively involved in the design and construction of 22 new schools in the Shelby County School District. He was selected as the 2001 Tennessee Superintendent of the Year, and he received the 2003 Peabody/Vanderbilt Educator Award. Dr. Mitchell also taught and mentored numerous current school leaders while serving as Affiliate Research Professor in the Department of Leadership at The University of Memphis.