"Carlton Mitchell" Archive

Professor Emeritus Carlton Mitchell dies

Carlton MitchellLongtime religion professor Carlton T. Mitchell (’43) remained devoted to his alma mater long after he retired in 1991. As president of the University’s Half Century Club — for alumni who graduated 50 or more years ago — he encouraged alumni to remain active and welcomed them back to campus every fall.

Mitchell, who died Jan. 30 in Winston-Salem, is being remembered for his service to the University as a professor, alumnus and volunteer leader. He was 92. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Feb. 16 in Wait Chapel. He is survived by two daughters, Grace Mitchell and Betty Morgan; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. His wife, Miriam, died in 2000. He was also predeceased by a son, John Robert Mitchell.

Read his full obituary and sign his guestbook »

Mitchell joined the faculty in 1961 and taught American church history, religious education and the psychology of religion. When he retired in 1991, he was recognized as “a great friend whose sound judgment and good humor exemplify the intellectual vitality, compassion and faith that fulfill Wake Forest’s mission.”

He enthusiastically served as president of the Half Century Club until stepping down several years ago for health reasons. Bob Mills (’71, MBA ’80), associate vice president for University Advancement, recalls having Mitchell for classes in Old and New Testament and, years later, his service as a volunteer leader. “That deep, deliberate, precise voice of his still rings in my ears. And in his retirement, if it had been possible for someone to be our eternal president of the Half Century Club, he would have accepted the job happily.”

Professor Emeritus of Religion Fred Horton remembered Mitchell as a great friend and a strong department chair. “He was a very straight-forward guy and a defender of academic freedom.” Read more

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