The William B. and Mary G. Mitchell Chair of Engineering was established in April 1998. In August of 2001, Dr. Harley R. Myler became the inaugural holder of the chair. The Mitchell's are both 1958 graduates of Lamar University, Bill earned a degree in mechanical engineering while Mary received a degree in social science.

William B. Mitchell is currently a member of the Board of Directors of the Curtis Wright Corporation, Primex Technologies, and The Dallas Opera, as well as other community service boards. He also serves, by appointment by the Governor of Texas, on the Texas Science and Technology Council and the Telecommunications Infrastructure Fund board. He continues to participate in a broad range of activities in business, government, civic affairs, and education since his retirement.

In 1993, Mr. Mitchell became vice chairman of Texas Instruments, a position he held until his retirement in December 1996. As a member of the office of the Chairman and Chief Executive, he was directly involved with the company's strategic redirection, new market development, and global business activities in systems, software, and components.