CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics (DIA) has announced the hiring of former Illinois football standout and co-captain of the 2008 Rose Bowl team, Kevin Mitchell, as an Assistant Director of Development in the I FUND.
After serving as an assistant with Varsity “I” for the past six months, Mitchell has been hired to serve as a fundraiser in the Office of Athletics Development. Mitchell’s responsibilities will include assisting with all areas of the annual giving program with a focus on acquisition and donor cultivation.
“As we look to build one of the nation’s most successful annual giving programs, we felt Kevin’s energy, and passion for the University of Illinois, would assist our development teams as we work to meet our capital campaign goals,” Senior Associate Athletics Director for Development Howard Milton said.
Mitchell returns to Illinois after four years working as an NFL scouting assistant, both with National Football Scouting and the Houston Texans. Upon graduation, he signed a free agent contract with the Washington Redskins. Mitchell began his coaching career at the University of New Mexico in 2009 as a strength coach, and then as defensive graduate assistant in 2011. He then went on to be an assistant strength coach at the University of North Carolina in 2012.
“I cannot be more excited about the opportunity to further advance the vision of (Director of Athletics) Josh Whitman and this outstanding university,” Mitchell said. “Since the day I decided to be an Illini back in 2003, I have not taken for granted the experiences and relationships that helped foster my growth as a man on and off the field. Now I can play a role in ensuring the student-athletes on campus are getting the same experiences I had.”
A three-year starting safety, Mitchell was a co-captain for Illinois’ 2008 Rose Bowl squad. As a senior in 2007, he led the Big Ten in passes defended and was third in the league in interceptions. In his four years, Mitchell logged nearly 250 total tackles. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in speech communication from Illinois’ College of Liberal Arts in December 2007.
“I am extremely excited to welcome Kevin Mitchell as a full time member of our development team,” Varsity “I” Director Lee Zerrusen said. “During his time as an Illini student-athlete, alumnus and with Varsity “I”, Kevin has shown great passion for the University of Illinois. His energy and commitment to Fighting Illini Athletics will be great assets as we continue to enhance the experience of our student-athletes.”
After serving as an assistant with Varsity “I” for the past six months, Mitchell has been hired to serve as a fundraiser in the Office of Athletics Development. Mitchell’s responsibilities will include assisting with all areas of the annual giving program with a focus on acquisition and donor cultivation.
“As we look to build one of the nation’s most successful annual giving programs, we felt Kevin’s energy, and passion for the University of Illinois, would assist our development teams as we work to meet our capital campaign goals,” Senior Associate Athletics Director for Development Howard Milton said.
Mitchell returns to Illinois after four years working as an NFL scouting assistant, both with National Football Scouting and the Houston Texans. Upon graduation, he signed a free agent contract with the Washington Redskins. Mitchell began his coaching career at the University of New Mexico in 2009 as a strength coach, and then as defensive graduate assistant in 2011. He then went on to be an assistant strength coach at the University of North Carolina in 2012.
“I cannot be more excited about the opportunity to further advance the vision of (Director of Athletics) Josh Whitman and this outstanding university,” Mitchell said. “Since the day I decided to be an Illini back in 2003, I have not taken for granted the experiences and relationships that helped foster my growth as a man on and off the field. Now I can play a role in ensuring the student-athletes on campus are getting the same experiences I had.”
A three-year starting safety, Mitchell was a co-captain for Illinois’ 2008 Rose Bowl squad. As a senior in 2007, he led the Big Ten in passes defended and was third in the league in interceptions. In his four years, Mitchell logged nearly 250 total tackles. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in speech communication from Illinois’ College of Liberal Arts in December 2007.
“I am extremely excited to welcome Kevin Mitchell as a full time member of our development team,” Varsity “I” Director Lee Zerrusen said. “During his time as an Illini student-athlete, alumnus and with Varsity “I”, Kevin has shown great passion for the University of Illinois. His energy and commitment to Fighting Illini Athletics will be great assets as we continue to enhance the experience of our student-athletes.”
