Churmell Mitchell ’16 Knows It’s All About The Journey

Growing up in Decatur, Ala. wasn’t easy. At 16, I left home, driven to break free from stereotypes placed on African American males in my community. I also wanted to be the first in my family to graduate from college. I wanted to contribute positively to society and not be a problem. Despite the hardships of high school and living alone, I found hope and support in my teachers, coaches and community.

D.T. Shackelford, former Ole Miss linebacker and a significant high school mentor, saw potential in me when I couldn’t. He believed football was more than a game—it was my channel to overcome struggles and create something positive. D.T. pushed me beyond my limits and instilled a belief that I could make a difference. His words, “You’re going to pick a different route, you’re going to college, and you will be a leader,” became my mantra.

Sports were not just games for me. They were lifelines. Excelling in football and basketball gave me a purpose and led to me being named “Offensive Player of the Year” for football in my senior year of high school. This wasn’t just about sports prowess; it was a testament to the resilience and leadership I had cultivated and how I turned my struggles into milestones.

In 2013, my journey continued at Auburn University where I pursued a degree in kinesiology, focusing on physical activity and health. I was recently divorced and raising my two kids alone. For more than three months I was homeless. My mother agreed to keep the kids while I found places to stay and worked multiple jobs on and off campus. All while taking 18 hours of classes a semester. Despite this, my goals were clear. Earn my degree and play football for Auburn. I wanted to wear the orange and blue on gameday.

In 2017, as my dream of playing in Jordan-Hare Stadium seemed within reach, I suffered a devastating patella tendon injury, ending my athletic career. Despite this setback, the support from the School of Kinesiology staff was unwavering. They provided more than encouragement. The staff helped with my children and ensured I never abandoned my educational aspirations. This experience underscored an important lesson: I was not meant to navigate life alone.

“The university didn’t just educate me, it transformed and equipped me to turn my adversities into strengths and use them to positively impact others.”

The relationships I had with my advisor, Robin Martin, and other faculty members like Dr. Mary Rudisill, Kristen Roberts and Chris Wilburn deepened. They helped me transition from a sports-focused mindset to preparing for a professional life beyond Auburn.

The faculty at Auburn always encouraged me to extend my learning and apply my knowledge extensively. The university didn’t just educate me, it transformed and equipped me to turn my adversities into strengths and use them to positively impact others.

Reflecting on my journey, I am humbled by the roles I’ve now assumed—athlete, trainer, youth pastor, father, national and international speaker, mentor and now CEO. Each role has shaped me significantly, highlighted by honors such as the Auburn University 2024 “Black Alumni Award” and the 2024 Casey Family Programs “Birth Parent Father of the Year Award.”

Receiving an award from President Joe Biden and multiple speaking engagements near the White House emphasize the significance of my work. My appointment as a board member for the Children’s Trust Fund by Alabama Governor Kay Ivey and my contributions to Asher Havon, Season 25 winner of “The Voice,” add layers to my fulfilling career.

Yet at my core is my pride as an Auburn alumnus. Auburn taught me that it’s not just about where you start, but where you’re headed. The resilience, faith and community I found there are the cornerstones of my achievements. It’s one of the reasons why I am passionate about bringing teens to Auburn to experience what I felt on my first visit. Today, I am motivated by a profound purpose, using my life’s lessons to inspire and guide others on similar paths and provide hope to the broken.

One way I’ve been able to use my degree is by training current college athletes. This includes Carson Yancy, who plays for the University of West Georgia, and Auburn’s freshman kicker, Towns McGough, who is already making a significant impact on Auburn’s football team. Seeing these kids achieve their dreams is a testament to the seeds that were planted in me.

Though my journey wasn’t perfect, the family I found at Auburn and beyond supported me every step of the way. It’s an honor to be serving on the Auburn Alumni Association’s Young Alumni Council, where I’m surrounded by inspiring stories of triumph and unity, reinforcing why Auburn is one of the best colleges in the nation.

In every role, I strive to impart the lessons of resilience and purpose I’ve mastered. I’m proud to be an Auburn alumnus, dedicated to making a positive impact and eager to share my story with the world.

By Churmell Mitchell ’16