[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 38 (Monday, March 5, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E260]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  IN RECOGNITION OF RODNEY T. MITCHELL

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 5, 2018

  Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Rodney 
Mitchell, associate dean of students at the University of North Texas 
in Denton, Texas. He tragically passed away February 26, following 
almost 30 years of affiliation to UNT first as a student and then as a 
cherished staff member.
   Rodney was a UNT alumnus who earned his BA in Applied Arts and 
Sciences in 1996 and his MPA in 1999. A proud member of the Mean Green 
family, he was a life member of the UNT Alumni Association, a Mean 
Green football season ticket holder, and supporter of various student 
programs with his gifts to the university. The Residence Hall 
Association created the ``Rodney T. Mitchell Advocate of the Year'' 
award in honor of his service and leadership as the College Inn Hall 
Director and Residence Hall Association President.
   After working for the City of Denton as the Assistant to the City 
Manager, he returned to UNT as a member of staff in 2001. He served as 
assistant director for academic development--Upward Bound program and 
as director of TRIO Upward Bound and student support services before 
becoming associate dean of students in 2013.
   Throughout his time at UNT, it was clear that Rodney had an enormous 
heart for students. He assisted students through the SOS (Seeking 
Options and Solutions) Program, opened and grew the UNT Food Pantry, 
and oversaw various intervention programs to support student success. 
He made a significant impact as a part of the University and community 
he loved, touching thousands of lives as a generous, caring servant.
   It was at UNT that Rodney met his wife Melanie. Together they served 
for many years at the Denton Church of Christ at Welch Street on the 
UNT campus and at the Singing Oaks Church of Christ.
   Rodney was a kind and generous man, and the world is a lesser place 
with his departure. His servant heart is a shining example as we seek 
to treat others as we want to be treated. He is survived by Melanie, a 
current UNT employee, and his 13-year-old son, Hayden.
   On behalf of the 26th Congressional District, I wish to extend 
condolences to Melanie, Hayden, Rodney's mother Joyce Mitchell, his 
father Marvel Mitchell, his brother Zachary Mackey and many other 
family members, as well as the entire UNT and Denton communities. 
Rodney will be remembered and loved forever by his family and a 
multitude of friends. I am grateful for the legacy he has left for the 
UNT and our North Texas community.

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