UW Mourns the Passing of Dr. Charles Mitchell
July 03, 2025 | Football, General
Husky Hall of Famer Dr. Charles H. (Charlie) Mitchell has passed away at the age of 85, his family has announced.
Dr. Mitchell, who enjoyed an outstanding career as a college and professional football player and who went on to make an indelible mark in the field of education, was a three-time letterman (1960-62) halfback on the UW football team, who was inducted into the Husky Hall of Fame in 1992.
Born in Arizona on May 25, 1940, Mitchell grew up in Seattle, graduating from Garfield High School. He was a member of the Huskies' 1960 National Champion football team that beat No. 1 Minnesota in the 1962 Rose Bowl. Also a return specialist, Mitchell earned All-America recognition in both 1961 and 1962. He was also a two-time all-conference honoree.
Drafted by both the Bears in the NFL Draft and by the Broncos in the AFL Draft in 1963, he played five seasons in Chicago and another in Buffalo before retiring.
Mitchell earned a master's degree from Seattle University and a doctorate from BYU before working briefly for the Colorado Governor's office and for King County executive John Spellman.
He then began a career with Seattle Central Community College that would continue for decades and impact countless lives, eventually became president of SCCC, followed by serving as chancellor of the Seattle Community Colleges system.
Dr. Mitchell was the recipient of numerous awards and honors during his career.
For much more on his life and those many honors, read his official obituary here. His passing also prompted official comment from Seattle mayor Bruce Harrell. Read Mayor Harrell's statement here.
Dr. Mitchell, who enjoyed an outstanding career as a college and professional football player and who went on to make an indelible mark in the field of education, was a three-time letterman (1960-62) halfback on the UW football team, who was inducted into the Husky Hall of Fame in 1992.
Born in Arizona on May 25, 1940, Mitchell grew up in Seattle, graduating from Garfield High School. He was a member of the Huskies' 1960 National Champion football team that beat No. 1 Minnesota in the 1962 Rose Bowl. Also a return specialist, Mitchell earned All-America recognition in both 1961 and 1962. He was also a two-time all-conference honoree.
Drafted by both the Bears in the NFL Draft and by the Broncos in the AFL Draft in 1963, he played five seasons in Chicago and another in Buffalo before retiring.
Mitchell earned a master's degree from Seattle University and a doctorate from BYU before working briefly for the Colorado Governor's office and for King County executive John Spellman.
He then began a career with Seattle Central Community College that would continue for decades and impact countless lives, eventually became president of SCCC, followed by serving as chancellor of the Seattle Community Colleges system.
Dr. Mitchell was the recipient of numerous awards and honors during his career.
For much more on his life and those many honors, read his official obituary here. His passing also prompted official comment from Seattle mayor Bruce Harrell. Read Mayor Harrell's statement here.
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