5 Questions with Brian Mitchell

Brian Mitchell has been part of the Grinnell community for nearly three decades, and if you’ve ever picked up course materials at the Pioneer Bookshop, there’s a good chance he’s had a hand in getting them there. As the course materials specialist in the College bookstore, Brian works behind the scenes (and sometimes at the counter) to make sure students and faculty have what they need before they even realize they need it. But beyond the stacks of course packets and invoices is someone deeply rooted in the Grinnell community — a reader, playwright, cyclist, theater director, and proud Grinnell parent.

Q: Where did you grow up, and what brought you to Grinnell?

A: I grew up in Rochester, Minnesota. Graduated and joined the army. Returned to Rochester until attending Indiana University.

My wife and I moved to Grinnell in 1995 for her work. Burling Library was hiring for an evening circulation supervisor, and I loved books. The evening position allowed me to stay home with my kids during the day while working. I worked in the library until 2010, when I took a position at the bookstore.

Q: Tell us about your family and life in the community.

A: I’m married to Ramona, a local optometrist. We have two adult children, Alex (class of 2017) and Beth (currently serving as the assistant swim coach at Grinnell College).

I’m an avid reader and am involved in church activities as members of the Methodist Church in Grinnell, Friends of Drake Library, and community theatre in Grinnell, Brooklyn, and Newton. I’ve also written several stage plays that have been performed throughout the U.S., Canada, and (for some reason) Prague.

We have season tickets for Iowa women’s basketball, perform and direct community theatre, and try to get in some bicycling when the weather allows.

Q: What does your role at the Pioneer Bookshop entail?

A: I am the course materials specialist at the college bookstore. I work with faculty to provide the materials needed for their courses, order and stock print material, enter and prep digital material, handle invoices, returns, and credits, help students with questions, and serve as a backup for the retail and management for the bookstore.

I’ve been very busy over the past 18 months helping implement GrinnBooks, the College’s equitable access program. This program has required course materials be funded through students’ tuition. Students no longer have to worry about when to buy their books, whether there will be used books, or whether they can afford the books for the class they’d like to take.

GrinnBooks implementation required input and coordination from administration, IT, the library, the faculty, the offices of disability and communications, and more, all to create an equal opportunity environment for students of all economic backgrounds and course interests.

Q: What has your experience been like working with Grinnellians?

A: I have worked closely with hundreds of students over the years, and it is always a true joy to interact with smart, kind, motivated students actively looking for a way that they can make the world better. I love the passion for teaching that the faculty bring to the College, and the kindness, wisdom, and empathy they show their students. And I appreciate the administration’s continued resolve to create a welcoming atmosphere to everyone.

Q: What is your favorite Grinnell moment?

A: Attending my son’s graduation. Kumail Nanjiani [’01] was the speaker that year, and even though the weather was gray and cold, having the family together to witness his achievement was wonderful.