Theo Mitchell

Assistant Director of Marketing

Arrillaga Family Recreation Center

As a sports marketing master’s graduate, Theo Mitchell knows something about competition and pushing for greatness. He’s experienced these same qualities at Stanford, which he says has helped him grow in his career.

“Stanford’s culture is competitive—the best of the best. They push you beyond what you think your limits are. But everybody wants you to succeed at Stanford and looks out for you. There are chances to grow and try your hand at different things.”

Theo joined Stanford 2012 as a marketing/events intern in Athletics. Now, thanks to a promotion, Theo works as a full-time marketing coordinator at the Ford Center/Burnham Pavilion, creating marketing materials for Stanford Recreation and managing the department’s social media channels.

What’s most interesting about his job, Theo says, is educating employees about Stanford Recreation’s many offerings and leading them to programs that improve their lives. One example is Contemplation by Design week, an event series encouraging the Stanford community to pause and reflect for overall health.

“When you meet people who discover something is from Stanford Recreation, it’s exciting. The beauty is we provide something for everybody.”

Stanford’s myriad resources have also greatly enriched Theo’s life. He’s taken an Adobe Illustrator class, heard sports industry speakers, and learned about different work roles and approaches from colleagues across departments. Additionally, he’s improved his well-being through the BeWell program, “one of Stanford’s biggest perks, which offers various incentives to care about your health,” he says.

Theo’s career ambition at Stanford is to become marketing director of Stanford Recreation one day and learn more about the health/wellness sector. Until then, Theo continues growing on the job.

“What keeps it fun for me is that you never know what will be asked of you—and what you’ll be able to do. I’m always learning, always growing.”