10/10/2026
Assistant Professor Christi Mitchell on Christian Higher Education Equips Theatre Students to Use Their Gifts with Purpose
BLUE MOUNTAIN, Miss. — Christian higher education provides students with more than professional preparation; it gives them a lasting foundation for understanding their gifts, purpose and responsibility, according to Christi Mitchell, assistant professor of speech and drama at Blue Mountain Christian University.
Mitchell describes some of her thoughts as to why Christian higher education is imperative. “While educating students on how to be better performers and communicators, I remind them often that they are a gift from God and their talents and abilities are to be used for His glory. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,” Colossians 3:23.
This is a stark contrast in the landscape of theatre as most secular higher ed programs aim to shape performers for their own individual glory and success. God’s glory goes much deeper giving each student hope, freedom, and longevity to see His purpose in their life.
In each course I teach, we begin with a short devotion and prayer. I teach from a Biblical worldview to ensure that the truth of the topics at hand are taught with integrity. We discuss, learn and assess subjects while cross-referencing what the Bible has stated about such areas learning from those who have followed Godly instruction and from those who have not.
When directing, I seek earnestly to choose productions that will glorify the Lord while being a first-rate educational experience for those in the cast and crew. I am always excited for opportunities to partner with community organizations.
We need Christ in higher education to shape future individuals that have the right focus at hand: glorifying the Lord.”
“I feel very at home with Ms. Mitchell,” says student Jonathan Hitt. “She is a very godly lady who is kind and loving yet will push you to be your best. Her love of God is evident in class, rehearsals, and in her home life. She always begins class with devotion and makes sure that everything will point back to God through it all. In a lot of ways, she is a second mom to me, and I am very thankful for her in my life!!”
Since joining the university in 2017, Mitchell has instructed courses in the university speech and theatre program, directed two full-stage productions each year, coached the IMPACT Drama Team, and supported campus and community partnerships. Her broader university service has included overseeing Literacy on the Lawn children’s theatre productions from 2017 through 2024, and serving as a Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival respondent.
Mitchell’s professional development spans theatre, performance, writing and journalism. She has participated in master classes at the Hilberry Theatre with renowned artists including Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Carol Channing, James Lipton, Neil Simon, Sutton Foster and S. Epatha Merkerson, as well as specialized workshops through the AIA Actor’s Studio, Write Club, the North Carolina Press Association and the Wyoming Press Association.
Her experience extends across performance, education, historical interpretation and journalism. Her career includes working as an actor in Los Angeles, bringing history to life at the Historic Daniel Boone Home & Heritage Center, integrating the arts into the classroom students and educators through the Mississippi Alliance for Arts Education, and as a reporter on arts, community events and children’s achievements for the Smoky Mountain News and Casper Journal. In addition, she has had numerous roles in theatre, film and tv, and she has written, performed and produced a large number of original shows.
“Putting the Lord first calibrates our thinking, desires and pursuits with His,” Mitchell said. “When students understand that their abilities have a God-given purpose, they gain hope, freedom and a vision for using their training in service to others.”
Student Giana Curasi speaks of her appreciation for Professor Mitchell. “Ms. Mitchell is possibly one of the most driven, God-fearing, on fire for Christ, professors on campus! She goes so much further than just praying before and after class. She genuinely makes sure that each class pertains to Christ and keeps Jesus at the center of each lesson she teaches. I have witnessed how steadfast she is, and I pray that the Lord, through her, will continue to teach me and others to be as steadfast as she.”
Through rigorous coursework, first-rate productions and community engagement, Blue Mountain Christian University’s speech and drama curriculum prepares students to communicate effectively, create with integrity and pursue excellence while keeping Christ at the center of their education.
Blue Mountain Christian University is an institution of higher learning that assists students in developing intellectual integrity, academic excellence, civility, and character.
