Chris Mitchell enters his eighth year in the sports information office at Washington University in St. Louis, and his sixth as the Bears' Director of Sports Information.

Mitchell's duties include handling the publicity of Washington University's 19 athletic programs, serving as the primary contact for football, women's golf, women's soccer, men's basketball, softball and men's tennis.

Mitchell also has assisted the University with other projects, such as Steve Fossett's 2001 Balloon Flight, the 2004 Women's Olympic Marathon Trials, the 2004 Olympic Torch Relay and the 2004 Presidential Debate and the 2005. He also assisted with media relations efforts for the 17th Annual College Slam Dunk and Three-Point Championships.

Mitchell served as the assistant sports information director from 2001-03 at Washington University prior to his promotion. Mitchell served as the Staff Assistant in the Duke University Sports Information office from July of 2000 to May of 2001. He was the primary contact for women's soccer, field hockey, cross-country, swimming and diving, fencing and track and field.

A native of Granite City, Ill., Mitchell graduated from McKendree University in Lebanon, Ill. in 1999 with a degree in speech communication. While at McKendree, Mitchell served as a student assistant for one year and then returned as the Assistant SID the following year. He was also a four-year captain of the men's tennis team, which qualified for the NAIA National Tournament in 1999.

Mitchell, 30, is a member of College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) and serves as the chair of the Membership Services Committee. He is single and resides in Granite City, Ill.

Quick Facts About Mitchell

Years at WU: Seven

Previous Sports Information Experience:
2000-01: Staff Assistant in Sports Information at Duke University.
1999-2000: Assistant Sports Information Director at McKendree University.

College Education: Bachelor's degree in speech communication with an emphasis in public relations from McKendree University, 1999. Master's degree in Athletic Administration from William Woods University, 2008.

Playing Career: Competed four years on the men's tennis team at McKendree University. Served as a four-year team captain. Qualified for the NAIA National Tournament in singles and doubles in 1999.

Family: Single.