Distinguished Professor of Humanics: Carol E. Mitchell 2013-2014

Title of Humanics Lecture
"Experiencing Humanics Through Film"

Learn more about Dr. Mitchell and her career as a Distinguished Professor of Humanics by listening to the "History of Humanics" podcast, which can be found here.

Earned Degrees
Ph.D., English and Film; University of Massachusetts at Amherst (1978)
Master of Arts, English and Film; University of Massachusetts at Amherst (1971)
Bachelor of Arts, English; University of Massachusetts at Amherst (1968)

Final Title at Springfield College
Full Professor of English 

Short statement that describes what it means to be a Distinguished Professor of Humanics:
I am proud to have served as the 2013-2014 Distinguished Springfield Professor of Humanics and to be part of the select group of educators who have contributed to the history and ideals of Springfield College. The Humanics philosophy encourages professors to “educate students in spirit, mind, and body for leadership in service to others.” Throughout my teaching career, I have acquainted students with powerful works of literature and film that portray the human condition and convey significant social issues. Courses such as “The American Dream in Literature,” “Women in Film,” and “Athlete in Film” have inspired students to join lively class discussion and to write interesting papers. As Chair of the William Simpson Fine Arts Series, I chose films, speakers, and panelists for each film event held in Fuller Arts Center and open to the college and the public. Events included tributes to directors and actors or focused on the Iraq War and the world-wide water crisis. As Distinguished Professor, additional resources and funding were available for three major film events and a Humanics Address, all with the theme of “Experiencing Humanics Through Film.” A Better Life demonstrated the heartbreaking plight of undocumented workers. A second film event was Sporting Chance: The Legacy of Title IX in celebration of 50 Years of Women’s Varsity Athletics at Springfield College and included an excellent panel of SC teacher-coaches. Another highlight was the glamorous Oscar Gala featuring speaker Ty Burr, the eminent Boston Globe film critic. I was delighted to open the hearts and minds of the audience to the possibility of becoming aware, compassionate, citizens with qualities of leadership, empathy, and a strong desire to be involved in service to humanity.

Short statement that describes how you continued to live the Humanics mission after your year as Distinguished Professor of Humanics:
The year after my Humanics year, I taught half time at the college and served on a search committee for a new member of the Humanities Department. I also taught a film class for the Learning in Later Life group. The following year, I retired and began to expand my role within my community of Sturbridge. I enjoy teaching a Film Appreciation Class monthly for seniors at the Sturbridge Senior Center. In addition, I was elected to the Board of Trustees for the Joshua Hyde Library and also participate in the Library Winter Film Festival as moderator. Further, I lead discussions for the library’s Armchair Travelers Book Group. I continue to serve as Area Chair of Film for the New England Regional Popular and American Culture Association (NEPCA), choosing presenters in Film for our fall conference and serving as Chair of several panels. Recently, the Association created the annual Carol Mitchell Award for Best Graduate Paper presented at the conference. Also, I keep abreast of film and politics at home and abroad in order to be an aware and responsible citizen of the planet. My husband David and I serve on the Sturbridge Democratic Town Committee as Chair and head of the Political Action Committee, respectively. Finally, it is a pleasure to be a part of this special group of Humanics professors who still meet to discuss on-going college issues.

Image Credit: Springfield College Triangle