Maurice B. Mitchell (1915-1996) attended New York University from 1932 to 1935. He received honorary degrees from the University of Denver, 1958; National College of Education, 1969; and Colorado State University, 1971. He began his career in advertising working for the New York Times in 1935. After his service with the Army Tank Corps in World War II, Mitchell’s interest in communications turned to the electronic field. He worked for Columbia Broadcasting System, National Association of Broadcasters, Muzak Corporation and Encyclopedia Britannica. Through his job at the National Association of Broadcasters, Mitchell taught several summer seminars (1948-50) in broadcasting and communications management at the University of Denver. Mitchell was inaugurated the thirteenth Chancellor of the University of Denver on October 20, 1967. He brought experience in business, education, and national affairs to the post. He served as Chancellor for eleven years, leaving in 1978 to become President of the Center for the Study of Democratic Institutions, located in California. During his tenure at the University of Denver a host of new programs began, such as the annual Publishing Institute. Gifts also made several new buildings possible. The buildings constructed under his leadership include Penrose Library and the Shwayder Art Building. A noteworthy incident that occurred during his tenure was Woodstock West, a student protest against the Vietnam War. Due to his firm resolve, peace returned to campus and classes continued during the height of student protests across the United States.
