Connie Mitchell, who served for 13 years as director of the radiography education program and 42 years total at UNMC, died Monday. She was 63.
Visitation is set for this coming Sunday from 3-5 p.m. with funeral services Monday at 11 a.m., both at Cutler-O’Neill Funeral Home, 545 Willow Avenue in Council Bluffs.
To read Mitchell’s obituary in the Council Bluffs Nonpareil, click here.
Mitchell’s contribution to the medical center was evident at a 2013 retirement celebration, when she was surrounded by her former students.
“Connie had an outstanding career at UNMC,” said Kyle Meyer, Ph.D., senior associate dean of the School of Allied Health Professions. “She served tirelessly as our program director, overseeing phenomenal growth of the radiography program. Connie was respected nationally and internationally for her knowledge, and commitment to her profession. She was a wonderful individual, and all who had the opportunity to know and work with her were better for it.”
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Mitchell started her UNMC career as an X-ray technologist and worked her way up to program director, and then president of the American Society of Radiology Technologists. She also was appointed to the council of the International Society of Radiographers and Radiologic Technologists.
“She was the ‘Queen of Fluoroscopy,'” or live, real-time X-ray imaging, said Tammy Jones, who succeeded Mitchell as program director. “If you were a patient, a radiologist, a student . . . you would want Connie next to you in that fluoro suite.”
Longtime friend James Temme, O’Malley Endowed Chair and associate director of radiation science technology education, first met her in 1971, when she was his clinical supervisor and he was a student. He was continually struck by how dedicated Mitchell was to her family and how hard she worked.
Later, they would share an office so small Mitchell had to scoot forward to let Temme in the door.
“We were literally very close,” Temme said.
He noted that she was active not only on the national level of the profession she loved, but also the state and local levels: “She mentored so many students and positively affected the lives of countless technologists in the radiation science profession.”
One was Jones, a former student who went on to work with Mitchell for 12 years.
“She was a constant professional, mentor, and friend. Connie had a passion for her family, her profession and her faith,” Jones said.
“She left me with big shoes to fill. And I can only begin to fill them because of her mentorship over the years.”
Connie was an excellent teacher and a beautiful person. She facilitated some great opportunities for me as a Volunteer Faculty member. Rest in peace Connie. Carol (Farha) McGlade
Connie was a great representative of our profession. Pam Stack
I am so sorry to hear of Connie's passing. She was a wonderful person to know and work with. Her personal traits and professionalism made her a born leader. I only wish I had stayed in touch with her. After reading her obituary, I was reminded that we had similar roots growing up. I was born in NE, but grew up in Carroll, IA (where she was born) and we both graduated from the wonderful Keumper Catholic High School in Carroll, she just two years after me. However, I first met her at UNMC when she was hired as the "GI Tech". Connie was always so calm and composed. She conveyed a sense of strength and quiet confidence to all she associated with. I am glad to have known her. May she rest in peace.
Diane Chadwell
Former Director of the Radiation Therapy Program
I am saddened to hear of Connie's death. She was a great leader, teacher, colleague, and friend. My prayers go out to her family and friends.