Conversation in Staff Senate reveals Aaron Mitchell is no longer vice president of Administration, Finance and Operations

Allison Campbell and Ainsley Smyth • November 19, 2024

Aaron Mitchell, senior vice president for finance, administration, and operations, introduces himself to the WSU Staff Senate. Mitchell was previously the associate vice president for financial services at Montana State University.

During a discussion regarding facilities and maintenance in Staff Senate on Tuesday, Nov. 19, Staff Senate President Kennedy Rogers said that “Dr. Mitchell resigned.”

While Rogers did not confirm that she was speaking about Aaron Mitchell, the current senior vice president of Administration, Finance and Operations, Mitchell’s staff page no longer appears on the university’s website.

When asked if she was speaking about Aaron Mitchell, Rogers directed The Sunflower to speak with Strategic Communications.

WSU communication director Lainie Mazzullo-Hart could not be reached via phone Tuesday afternoon for comment on behalf of the university. Additionally, Mitchell and his executive assistant, Lisa Pappas, did not answer calls for comment.

According to the WSU website, David Miller has been named the interim vice president for Administration, Finance and Operations. Miller could not be reached via phone for comment.

Mitchell took over the role as senior vice president for Administration, Finance and Operations at the beginning of the Fall 2024 semester following Werner Golling’s retirement. Mitchell previously served as the associate vice president for financial services at Montana State University.

About the Contributors

Allison Campbell, Editor-in-Chief

Allison Campbell is the editor-in-chief of The Sunflower. Campbell is a senior pursuing a journalism and media production degree with a minor in English. She served as one of the news editors during the 2023-2024 year. Campbell hopes to pursue a career in writing or editing after graduation. They use any pronouns.

Ainsley Smyth, News Editor

Ainsley Smyth is the news editor of The Sunflower. Smyth previously worked as a reporter. She is a junior pursuing a bachelor's in communications with an emphasis in journalism and media production.

Zachary Ruth, Photographer

Zachary Ruth is a first-year photographer with The Sunflower. Ruth is a freshman and previously served as the editor-in-chief at Newton High School. Ruth is studying journalism and media production and hopes to pursue a career in photojournalism after university.