Rodney Mitchell ('96, '99 M.P.A.), 45, who served as associate dean of students and had worked at UNT since 2001, died Feb. 26 in Denton. He began his career as a management assistant in the Denton city manager's office and then began working at UNT, where he had earned degrees in applied arts and sciences and public administration. He served as assistant director for academic development for Upward Bound and as director of TRIO Upward Bound and student support services before being named associate dean of students in 2013. As associate dean, he took an active approach to student services. He established the UNT Food Pantry; helped students navigate problems through the Seeking Options and Solutions program and other intervention programs; and oversaw several programs designed to keep students in college. His work as president of the Residence Hall Association and College Inn hall director led to the association naming the Rodney T. Mitchell Advocate of the Year award in his honor. He was an avid Mean Green football fan and a lifetime member of the UNT Alumni Association. His wife, Melanie ('98, '05 M.Ed.), works in the UNT Learning Center. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, March 2, at Singing Oaks Church of Christ, 101 Cardinal Drive in Denton. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 3, also at Singing Oaks.