LTC Raymond A. Mitchell (Retired), JC ’76
2026 Distinguished Alumnus Award
For nearly five decades, LTC Raymond A. Mitchell (Retired) has carried the values of leadership, service, and integrity he strengthened as a student at GMC into a distinguished career of military and civilian service.
LTC (Ret.) Mitchell attended GMC’s Main Campus from 1974 to 1976, earning his Associate of Science degree before beginning a career defined by service to others. After GMC, LTC Mitchell earned his bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. As a U.S. Army Engineer officer, he served in numerous command and senior staff positions, including Company and Headquarters Command, Battalion Operations Officer, Environmental Officer, Operations Officer, and Chief of Emergency Management. His military service included deployment in support of operations in Southwest Asia and earned him numerous honors, including the Southwest Asia Service Medal with two bronze service stars, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Bronze Order of the de Fleury Medal for his contributions to the Army Engineer Regiment.
LTC (Ret.) Mitchell brought that same commitment to leadership to a 38-year civilian career with the Tennessee Valley Authority. He retired as a senior manager after leading multidisciplinary teams of engineers, environmental scientists, and technicians. As a Project Manager in Resource Mapping and Geographic Information & Engineering, he managed mapping services supporting TVA power operations and other federal agencies.
His commitment to service has continued well beyond his professional career. As President of the Military Officers Association of America Chattanooga Chapter, LTC (Ret.) Mitchell has played an instrumental role in building a relationship between the chapter and GMC. Under his leadership, that partnership has helped direct scholarship support toward students pursuing higher education, including students at GMC. Additionally, LTC (Ret.) Mitchell is the current Vice Commander of American Legion Post 14 in Chattanooga.
Through a lifetime of military service, professional achievement, and continued investment in the institution that helped shape his journey, LTC (Ret.) Mitchell exemplifies the enduring impact of a Georgia Military College education. His leadership continues to create opportunities for the next generation of students and reflects the ideals of service and character at the heart of GMC.
LTC Mitchell and his wife, Deborah (Debbie) Kinsey Mitchell, have been married for 48 years and have two children.
Georgia Military College is honored to recognize LTC (Ret.) Raymond A. Mitchell with the 2026 Distinguished Alumnus Award.
