Respected professor retires

Although Lee Mitchell retired from Woodland Community College in May this year, he is still as involved in the college as ever.

Now 70 years old, Professor Mitchell put in 30+ years of teaching at Woodland Community College, but says he could make the total 40+ years. He doesn’t feel retired because he is teaching 3 courses this semester and plans to continue teaching as an adjunct professor for as long as 10 more years.

He teaches anthropology, marine ecology, and oceanography. And he is not teaching for the extra income. “I don’t need the money,” he explained. “It’s for the love of the job.”

Professor Mitchell’s fondest memory at WCC is watching the success of first generation college students, whose family members have never been to college.

Along with his involvement with his teaching, Professor Mitchell is also deeply involved in his personal passion – bicycling. On some occassions Professor Mitchell rides up to 1,500 miles a week.

He has numerous good memories on a bicycle, but the most outstanding was twice finishing the “Race Across America” which is 3,000. He was one of a four-man team which set records both times.

However, Professor Mitchell’s worst memory is crashing on his bicycle while peddling 30 mph and smashing his helmet into four pieces. Luckily Mitchell was okay and is still riding and teaching to this day.