C. Patric Mitchell, a lecturer in Wichita State’s math department, was found dead in his office this afternoon.

University spokesman Joe Kleinsasser confirmed that Mitchell, 52, died of natural causes.

A student found Mitchell dead in his office after he didn’t show up for her 1:30 p.m. class Monday afternoon.

“Our professor is usually here really early, but we just thought he was late,” she said.

After Mitchell didn’t show up to class, the student went to the math department in Jabara Hall to ask about her teacher.

The student said she talked to a secretary in the math office, who went to Mitchell’s office and found the door locked and the lights turned off. She knocked on the door and heard no response.

The student said the secretary got keys to the office and went inside.

“We found him passed out in the chair,” the student said. “We thought he was dead.”

The student said the secretary then called an ambulance, who later pronounced Mitchell dead.

The student said Mitchell was seen on campus earlier that morning.

Kleinsasser said Mitchell had heart problems before.

Mitchell taught at WSU for ten years and earned his doctorate degree in 2017.