Significant contributions honored by national society

 The American Association of Geographers recognized the work of Jerry Mitchell, naming him one of the 2026 AAG Fellows, an honor that applauds geographers who have significantly advanced the discipline. In particular, they cited his advocacy for geographic education. As long-time head of the South Carolina Geographic Alliance, Mitchell has been instrumental in the training and support of more than 40,000 geography teachers in the state. The AAG noted, "His extensive leadership, community outreach, and scholarly contributions combined a rigorous understanding of what geographic learning and teaching should aim for with creativity and entrepreneurial spirit to promote that intellectual vision."