Mitchell recognized by American Psychological Association

Sharon Mitchell, senior director of student wellness and director of counseling services, has been awarded the American Psychological Association’s 2023 Award for Distinguished Professional Contributions to Institutional Practice.

The award recognizes outstanding practitioners in psychology; Mitchell was honored specifically “for tireless dedication and commitment to advancing the practice of collegiate mental health and wellness within institutional settings.”

In association with the award, Mitchell was invited to submit a peer-reviewed manuscript to the American Psychologist, the journal of the association. Her article, “The Work of College Counseling Centers in the Early 21st Century,”  was recently published as part of the journal’s annual awards Issue.

Mitchell joined the UB professional staff in 2003 as director of counseling services. She has served as senior director for wellness since 2018, overseeing Health Promotion and Student Health, as well as Counseling Services.

A past president of the Association for University and College Counseling Center Directors (AUCCCD), Mitchell is a recipient of the AUCCCD’s Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her national contribution to campus mental health.

AUCCCD is the largest organization of campus mental health leaders in the world.

Mitchell also has served as president of the Delaware State Board of Examiners of Psychologists and the SUNY Counseling Center Directors.

An American Psychological Association fellow of the Society of Counseling Psychology, she is a recipient of the 2020 SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Professional Service and the Director of the Year award from the American College Counseling Association in 2020.