Ribbon-cutting scheduled at College of Business for new Marvin A. 'Mitch' Mitchell Sr. Behavioral Laboratory

The Florida State University College of Business has scheduled a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Nov. 18 to open a new, state-of the-art behavioral research and training facility. The facility will allow students and faculty in the college's Professional Sales Program to acquire the latest skills relating to the use of mobile technology for a wide array of business applications.

The Marvin A. "Mitch" Mitchell Sr. Behavioral Laboratory was established with a $50,000 gift from businessman Andy Mitchell and his wife, Kathy Ireland Mitchell, both 1974 graduates of the College of Business. The Mitchells will join Florida State President Eric J. Barron and College of Business Dean Caryn Beck-Dudley at a ribbon-cutting event to officially open the new facility. The event will take place:

FRIDAY, NOV. 18
9 A.M.
ROOM 226, ROVETTA BUILDING
FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF BUSINESS

The Mitchells' gift has allowed the College of Business to acquire the cutting-edge technology housed within the laboratory, enable faculty and students to conduct important research related to consumer behaviors, and introduce the next generation of business professionals to the use of the latest mobile technology as a sales tool. The lab also positions the Professional Sales Program as a leader in business-to-business professional sales training, said Associate in Marketing Pat Pallentino, director of the Professional Sales Program.

College of Business Dean Caryn Beck-Dudley expressed appreciation for the gift, which she said will enhance the education of students within the program.

"The Mitchell family's generosity is overwhelming," Beck-Dudley said. "We are pleased to be able to honor the memory of a true hero, Marvin A. Mitchell, while giving our students the very best education possible. This gift ensures that they are prepared as leaders in their fields."

The lab includes 30 Apple iPad2 devices, all of which are synchronized to a single Apple iTunes account through the use of a PowerSync system. The room has been fitted with a 70-inch TV, computer, HD webcam and an Apple TV. The technology allows video conferencing, virtual role playing and recording of guest lecturers. In addition, a Tegrity lecture capture system has been integrated into the lab.

Andy Mitchell, president and CEO of The Fair Winds Group, a management consulting services firm headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and Kathy Mitchell made the gift in honor of his father, Marvin A. "Mitch" Mitchell Sr.

"Mitch was a disabled U.S. Army veteran who served in World War II and achieved a national sales position with Beneficial Finance Corporation," Andy Mitchell said of his father. "It is only fitting to have this new behavioral lab named in his honor."

The Mitchells' daughter Kristen earned her bachelor's degree in marketing and hospitality management from the FSU College of Business in 2007. Daughter Kate Campbell will receive her doctorate in marriage and family counseling from Nova Southeastern University in December. Her husband, Brent Campbell, graduated with a degree in finance from Florida State's College of Business in 2006.

For more information, contact Barbara Ash of the College of Business at (850) 728-7014; or bash@cob.fsu.edu, or Pat Pallentino of the college at ppallentino@cob.fsu.edu.

15 November 2011