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Mitchell College Names Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs

Mitchell College recently welcomed Dr. Marilyn Sutton-Haywood as its Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs. Sutton-Haywood takes over the position from Dr. Catherine Wright, who retired in late December after a 40-year career at the college.

Sutton-Haywood will oversee several divisions of the college, including academics, student life, Living and Learning programs – including Thames at Mitchell, the Bentsen Learning Center and the Mystic Program – and the Children’s Learning Center. She most recently served as dean of the division of liberal arts and sciences at Pfeiffer University in North Carolina and held similar positions at Shaw University and Johnson C. Smith University, both also in North Carolina, for many years. In addition, Sutton-Haywood was a longtime professor of biology. She holds a Ph.D. and M.S. from Atlanta University and a B.S. from North Carolina Central University.

Dr. Tracy Espy, Mitchell College president, said, “Dr. Sutton-Haywood is an exceptional professional with the acumen to lead Mitchell College’s broad-reaching and dynamic division of academic affairs. She brings more than 40 years of higher education experience, both in the classroom and administration. In addition to being a strong academic and student affairs advocate, she has extensive experience in strategic and institution-wide planning as well as accrediting processes. Her expert guidance will positively impact Mitchell across the board – from faculty and staff to students – and we are thrilled for her to join us.”

Sutton-Haywood said, “In the short time I have been here, I have found an extremely dedicated and supportive student-focused faculty and staff. I look forward to using the deep knowledge and experience that I have gained over the many years to help Mitchell continue to be strong and mission-focused, especially in these times where we must be flexible, adaptable and innovative.”