Snapshot:
Reuben Mitchell

Position: Employee Relations Specialist.

Duties: Helping to resolve any problems among employees by facilitating communication, assisting supervisors in following personnel guidelines and procedures, and coaching employees on navigating challenges with their position.

Goal: “To help individuals and teams get the work done. The people part has to work for the science to happen.”

Approach: “In difficult situations, I encourage communication and problem-solving. At one point, everyone was excited about the working relationship. What happened to change that? Was it one big thing or a series of little things? What can be done? Also, I’ve noticed that people sometimes aren’t as good at being open and encouraging communication as they think they are. I try to help with that.”

Started at Scripps Research: March 2006, filling a new position. “Since employee relations is my primary focus, I’m able to follow up with people and see how things are going.”

Background: A native of Cleveland, Mitchell has a B.A. from Hiram College and an M.A. from Azuza Pacific University, in social sciences. He has worked in higher education throughout his career, including at Hiram College, Kent State University, and the University of Arizona, Tucson. Prior to coming to Scripps Research, he worked for 15 years at the University of San Diego, most recently as assistant vice president for student affairs.

Comments on Scripps Research: “In general, people care about what they do and the institute cares about its people. It means a lot to see commitment to the science and the work that goes on here.”

Hobbies: Playing tennis and riding his BMW motorcycles.

Send comments to: mikaono[at]scripps.edu

“I’m here to help,” says Reuben Mitchell. (Photo by Kevin Fung.)