[1][4] He also published many books on religious subjects: In 1870, Mell introduced the first college course on parliamentary procedure at the University of Georgia.

Despite his initial unwillingness to take the job, Mell reluctantly accepted the chancellorship, provided, among other things, that the Board of Trustees rescind its rule barring student secret societies (commonly known today as college fraternities).

As a result of this action, the modern Greek system that today comprises nearly one-fifth of UGA students owes its existence to Mell.

[6] Another issue Mell tackled was the Trustees' requirement for most students that they live in dormitory housing provided by the university.

Mell was a firm believer that it should be located at Athens with the university's main campus, like the Agricultural and Mechanical School.

Despite Mell's arguments, the Georgia Institute of Technology (founded 1885) is today an entirely separate school located in Atlanta, and is the chief rival of the Athens university.