Historic Tour of Mitchell College

Saunders was a doctoral student in New York University's department of education in the 1930s. He published a doctoral dissertation titled The Practicability of Establishing a Privately Controlled Junior College at New London, CT in 1938. After the founding of NLJC, Saunders became the college's first president.

New London Junior College made the difficult decision to close as a result of WWII. Enrollments were down and facilities were needed to station the United States Army in defense of U.S. interests. Anita Simpson served as acting president until the appointment of Hillway, who ushered in a new chapter with the reopening of NLJC in 1946.

During the Weller years, NLJC became known as Mitchell College (1950) and anchored itself in the New London community as a launchpad for students seeking to build their college readiness and transition successfully to 4-year colleges and other career ventures. Weller retired after 36 years, the longest lasting college presidency in the country at that time.

After Weller's retirement, Mitchell College appointed Dr. Swinburne after a nationwide search. Swinburne was a native of Iowa and came to Mitchell College from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale.

Former Dean at the United States Coast Guard Academy, also located in New London, Sandell became the college's fifth president after a lengthy search.

Jukoski first joined Mitchell College as Dean and became interim president prior to her appointment as the college's sixth president. During her tenure, Mitchell College introduced its first 4-year baccalaureate programs, acquired Michael's Dairy, added Duques Center and Mariner Hall, and transitioned to Division III athletics, further establishing our place in the higher education landscape.

Steinmayer brought a wealth of business acumen to her role as Mitchell College's seventh president. During her tenure, the development of a redesigned campus master plan resulted in the reimagining of The Red Barn, improvements to The Mitchell Woods through the shared effort of community partners, and the Game Changer initiative to upgrade athletics facilities and introduce the college's first turf fields.

Espy is the first African-American woman to lead Mitchell College. Prior to her appointment, Espy served as provost and vice president of academic affairs at Pfeiffer University, which operates three campuses in Charlotte, Raleigh and Misenheimer, N.C. Espy brings energy and passion for diverse thinkers, the value of community partnership, and the Mitchell Ability Model.