Rich Mitchell is the Executive Director, Academy at Penn. Rich brings over two decades of experience in educational leadership, student success initiatives, and school transformation to his role.
Most recently, Rich served as the Principal of William W. Bodine High School for International Affairs in the School District of Philadelphia. During his tenure, he led transformative initiatives that elevated the school’s academic and cultural climate. Under his leadership, Bodine achieved the highest Keystone proficiency rate increases of any criteria-based high school in the School District of Philadelphia in Algebra I, Biology, and Literature for the 2023-2024 school year.
A 2024 Lindback Distinguished Principal and Neubauer Fellow in Educational Leadership, Rich is deeply passionate about preparing first-generation students from economically challenged neighborhoods for college and career success.
Rich holds a Master of Education in Educational Administration from Gwynedd-Mercy University and a Bachelor of Science in Social Studies Education from West Chester University. When not working, Rich enjoys spending time with his wife and son, watching the Eagles and Georgia football, hiking, traveling, and reading.