DURHAM, N.C. – The North Carolina Central University Department of Athletics has hired Nicole Mitchell as Athletics Academic Advisor/CHAMPS LifeSkills Coordinator.

Mitchell will oversee the academic progress of assigned student-athletes by monitoring continuing eligibility and degree progression using NCAA, MEAC, and university guidelines.

In 2008-10, Mitchell served as a graduate assistant in marketing, compliance and sports information at NCCU. As an advisor of NCCU’s Student-Athletic Advisory Committee (SAAC), she got to know the student-athletes and was able to effectively and efficiently assist them through her knowledge of NCAA rules.

NCCU awarded Mitchell the Harper-Armstrong Leadership Award while undergoing her graduate program. She earned her master’s degree in athletic administration from NCCU in 2010, and received an undergraduate degree in criminal justice from Elizabeth City State University in 2006.

Mitchell was born and raised in Dallas, N.C., where she attended North Gaston High School. She is the daughter of Ty Mitchell and Donna Torres. Mitchell also is the sister of Caleb Smith.

When speaking to student-athletes, her main advice is to “find something to be passionate about, whether it’s being a doctor or a Tae Kwon Do instructor. Find something that wakes you up in the morning and keeps you excited about life.”