Staff Directory
- Title:
- Senior Director, Creative and Digital Media
- Email:
- Phone:
- 412-648-4067
Ben Mitchell joined the University of Pittsburgh Department of Athletics in November 2019 as Director of Graphic Design, expanding his responsibilities to include digital media in 2022.
In his current role, he oversees the Creative & Digital Strategy unit, leading a team of two designers and one digital media specialist to craft and implement the department’s visual and digital efforts across all touchpoints.
Mitchell leads the development of one of the most dynamic brands in collegiate athletics, driving ideation, production, and quality assurance while collaborating closely with teams and administrative units to maintain consistency across all platforms.
His oversight extends to the department’s digital portfolio, including PittsburghPanthers.com, the Pitt Gameday App, and the department's YouTube channel, all of which now rank among the ACC leaders in traffic, users and subscribers.
Mitchell has been instrumental in elevating Pitt’s visual identity. In late 2023, he led a recalibration and refinement of the department’s visual brand, collaborating with Licensing & Merchandising and Equipment Services to pioneer a holistic approach—encompassing uniforms, facilities, graphic design, and licensing– making Pitt one of the first schools nationwide to adopt such a strategy.
Beginning in August 2024, he spearheaded the rebranding of the Pitt Panthers YouTube Channel (formerly Pitt LiveWire), introducing streamlined workflows, consistent visual branding and strategic use of live events.
A veteran of over 15 years in college athletics, Mitchell's previous stops include Saint Francis University, Thiel College and Campbell University— where he launched websites, developed style guides and grew communications and creative teams.
A 2006 graduate of Slippery Rock University with a double major in Sport Management and Communication, he earned a master’s degree in Education Leadership from Saint Francis in 2008.
As an undergraduate student, Mitchell interned in the Villanova University Office of Sports Marketing, the College Football Hall of Fame’s Archives and Collections Department, the University of Notre Dame’s Rec Sports office and the Department of Athletics at Westminster College.
A Pennsylvania native, Mitchell resides in Pittsburgh.
What is your favorite thing to do in the city of Pittsburgh?
I really enjoy checking out different events and neighborhoods around town (or “tahn”). The fact that you have all of the cultural, entertainment and recreational opportunities of a major U.S. city—and in such a compact footprint—makes Pittsburgh a great place to explore.
What is your favorite aspect of working in Pitt’s athletic department?
There are some ambitious expectations in terms of where we want to go as a department and as an institution.
