ST. LOUIS – University of Missouri-St. Louis Director of Athletics Lori Flanagan announced that Mary Ann Mitchell has resigned from her position as Associate Athletics Director of Communications.
 
Mitchell's last day at UMSL will be August 27. She has accepted a position as Public Relations and Communications Director with the Edwardsville (Ill.) Community Unit School District #7.
 
For nearly 14 years, Mitchell has worked in the athletic communications office at UMSL, beginning in October 2007 as the Director of Sports Information. She was promoted to Assistant Director for Media Relations in July 2014 and to her current title in January 2018. In all three roles, Mitchell has been responsible for all strategic communications for UMSL's Department of Athletics, including directing all media, public relations and social networking efforts.
 
"MaryAnn is a true professional and transformed the image of UMSL Athletics," said Flanagan. "Her creativity and dedication to enhancing every student-athlete, coach and sport team to their fullest was exceptional.  Her presence in UMSL Athletics will be missed and we wish her the best in her new career path."
 
In addition to managing the department's official website (umsltritons.com), which has undergone four redesigns during her time, Mitchell spearheaded the development of the Tritons' social and new media platforms and assisted in the expansion of UMSL's video streaming through the GLVCSN. She was also responsible for ensuring quality and consistency of the UMSL Athletics brand standards.
 
During her time on campus, Mitchell publicized and promoted seven GLVC championships, 37 All-Americans, including the school's two only four-time recipients in Hannah Perryman (softball) and Emma Thorngren (women's golf) and 10 Academic All-Americans.
 
She has been the school's only female athletics communications director and the longest-tenured.
 
"It's been an honor and a privilege to be part of the UMSL family for 14 years and I will always cherish my time working with our outstanding coaches, staff and student-athletes," said Mitchell. "It was a difficult decision to leave UMSL, but I am excited to the next chapter and look forward to cheering on the Tritons from afar."
 
Mitchell has been an active member of the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA), serving on the Special Awards Committee. She was also the national coordinator for the United States Basketball Writers Association (USBWA) Division II Women's Basketball National Player of the Week and served on the NCAA Midwest Softball Regional Advisory Committee.