Dr. James Mitchell

Dr. Mitchell established this endowment fund in 1998 in honor of his wife, Barbara Lee Mitchell, and their 50th wedding anniversary. Barbara Lee Mitchell was a student of vocal music throughout her life. She began singing at an early age and studied for a year under Professor Fred Patton at Michigan State University. She had over 50 years of active church choir involvement, with occasional solo performances.

Mrs. Mitchell studied vocal music for several years under various well-known choir directors and music professors. For twelve years, she sang with the Kalamazoo College Bach Festival Chorus, followed by another twelve years with the Saginaw Choral Society. Mrs. Mitchell’s husband, Dr. James L. Mitchell, was Dean Emeritus of the SVSU College of Business and Management. Dr. Mitchell passed away in 2018.