While Bert Lee and Betty Jo Mitchell were not alumni of The University of Tulsa, they were eager to advance the school and to provide educational opportunities for others wishing to attend TU. They were particularly interested in promoting the study of sociology, philosophy, and religion. For this reason, Mr. Mitchell generously named TU as the beneficiary of his substantial life insurance policy, and he named the resulting scholarships in honor of his beloved wife, Betty Jo.

The Mitchells passed away many years ago, with Mr. Mitchell predeceasing his wife. The university is grateful to this philanthropic couple for helping students to attend TU and to benefit from their two funds, the Betty Jo Mitchell Scholarship for Sociology, and the Betty Jo Mitchell Scholarship for Philosophy and Religion.