Wanda S. Mitchell, 57, the inaugural vice provost for faculty development and inclusive excellence at UNH from 2004-2012, died July 31, 2017, in Richmond, Virginia.
Prior to joining the UNH education department in 2002, Mitchell was an endowed chair in education at Hampton University. Shortly after her appointment as the inaugural vice provost, she launched UNH’s diversity strategic plan, which was updated in 2010 as the inclusive excellence strategic plan.
“We were greatly saddened to learn of Wanda’s death,” said UNH President Mark Huddleston. “She was highly respected by faculty, staff, students and alumni at the university and across the state, and while her loss will be felt deeply by many, she leaves a strong legacy. We will forever be grateful for Wanda’s service and leadership.”
Mitchell provided statewide leadership as chair of the Women’s Leadership Network and national leadership as one of the chief diversity officers who launched the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education.
“Her legacy is a powerful one,” said Julie Williams, senior vice provost for engagement and academic outreach at UNH. “Wanda always lifted people higher and made us think beyond the conventional. We respected her and enjoyed following her lead. She was a senior colleague, a friend and a mentor to many.”
Mitchell left UNH to become the founding vice president of inclusive excellence at Virginia Commonwealth University.
Surviving are her father, John E. Tilley of New York; brother, Dennis R. Patterson of Columbia, South Carolina; two sisters, Bunita Tilley and Lisa D. Tilley of New York; three nephews, niece, three aunts and other relatives and friends.
The family will receive friends Thursday, Aug. 3, 2017, at Scott's Chapel, 116 E. Brookland Park Blvd., Richmond, Virginia, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. and where a Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Omega Omega Service will be held at 6 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 5, at Simpson United Methodist Church, 800 Flat Street, Allendale, South Carolina. Interment at Hope Memorial Park Cemetery, Barnwell, South Carolina. Online guest book at www.scottsfuneralhome.com.
