Died: Christopher Mitchell, Top Lewis Scholar, Biola Professor

Director of Wade Center at Wheaton College for 19 years.

Biola University today announced that Christopher Mitchell, a nationally known C.S. Lewis scholar and professor at the university’s Torrey Honors Institute, has died unexpectedly. He was 63.

Today, the university’s press office posted an announcement of Mitchell’s death, which occurred on the evening of July 10.

The school said:

Mitchell, 63, joined the Biola University faculty one year ago and quickly became a beloved professor and friend to students and colleagues alike.

“A careful and imaginative scholar, Chris was a person of deep faith, authentic humility, generous spirit, and resonant compassion. He will be missed,” said David Nystrom, provost and senior vice president.

Biola grieves the loss of this dear member of the Biola community and mourns with his family.

“Though Dr. Mitchell joined Biola from Wheaton College only one year ago, he and Julie quickly became part of our family,” said Biola University President Barry H. Corey. “They loved being here, and we loved having them here. How profoundly sad we are today and how sincerely we extend our prayers and comfort to his wife Julie and their children, in-laws and grandchildren.”

Mitchell was a premier C.S. Lewis scholar and former director of the Marion E. Wade Center at Wheaton College in Illinois, a study center devoted to researching the lives and works of influential Christian writers including C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien and others. He is the author of numerous articles on C.S. Lewis.

CT news will update this article as more information becomes available.