It is with great sadness, that we recognize the passing of our friend, Avery Mitchell, a second year graduate student in the Clinical Psychology program at UNC Chapel Hill. Avery’s warmth and genuine interest in the well-being of others, his enthusiasm for ideas, and optimism that those ideas could make a difference in people’s lives, was nothing short of inspiring. He touched us all even in the too short time that he was with us. We celebrate Avery’s memory by continuing the efforts in which he was engaged here at Carolina and look forward to sharing these works in the months to come.
We know many will be deeply affected by his passing and campus resources are available. Students are encouraged to call Counseling and Psychological Services (919-966-3658) and faculty and staff to contact our Employee Assistance Program (877-314-5841). In addition, there will be a group meeting with UNC Counseling and Psychological Services on Friday, August 25 at 1:00 PM in Howell 205. This meeting will provide an opportunity for anyone who knew Avery to meet in a supportive group setting. Two senior staff members from CAPS who have expertise in grief counseling will provide us with information about common grief reactions, coping with loss, and resources. They will also facilitate an opportunity for us to share and process how we are feeling and managing the start of a new semester in light of our loss. Avery’s enthusiasm for the field, dedication to social justice, and infectious upbeat attitude were well-known in Davie Hall. Avery was will be deeply missed by all who knew him.