Alumni Weekend Narratives

Jeff Gray proudly served in the U.S. Army as a field artillery officer from 1979-1990. He moved to Milledgeville in 1999 with his wife Pam and two daughters following in 2000. He served on the GMC Foundation Board starting in 2003 before joining the GMC workforce in 2005. For two decades, Jeff dedicated his time and talents to Georgia Military College, leaving a legacy of hard work, service, and heartfelt commitment. Over his 18-year career in GMC’s engineering department, Jeff’s exceptional work ethic and willingness to go above and beyond made him a trusted and invaluable part of the GMC family. Even after retiring in December 2023, his connection to the institution remains strong, as he continues to serve on the GMC Foundation Board and volunteers his time to support school activities.

Jeff’s loyalty to GMC runs deep, both professionally and personally. As a proud father of two GMC Prep School graduates, Sara and Meg, he and his wife, immersed themselves in campus life, with Jeff even stepping in as a bus driver to be part of his daughters’ school events. Known as someone you could always count on for a helping hand, Jeff has continued to make an impact through his philanthropic support and volunteer efforts. His dedication has touched countless students, faculty, and families, solidifying his place as an integral member of the GMC community. Additionally, Jeff is active in scouting, church, and the Masonic Lodge. He earned his Eagle Scout rank in 1973 and trained as a Scoutmaster. He also serves as a trolley driver for Visit Milledgeville.

As a proud alumna, Khadija L. Hill (Prep c/o ’05) has built an extraordinary career defined by leadership, service, and a commitment to making a meaningful impact. While at GMC, she lettered in basketball and band, ran track, and sang in the chorus. She also made history as the school’s first Black female drum major, an early milestone that reflects her courage to lead, break barriers, and inspire others. These experiences, rooted in service, character, and academic discipline, continue to shape her commitment to opening doors for future generations. After leaving GMC, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Consumer Economics from the University of Georgia in 2009 and a Master of Science in International Relations from Troy University in 2015, with a focus on global affairs. These academic achievements laid the foundation for a career in nonprofit leadership, where she has excelled in strategic planning as well as senior-level fundraising, leading multi-million-dollar campaigns, and cultivating relationships that support lasting change.

Today, Khadija serves as Associate Dean of Development and Alumni Relations at Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies, where she leads efforts across cultures and continents to expand access to higher education. Her work secures vital resources that open doors for the next generation of global policy leaders, ensuring students and scholars have the opportunities to learn, lead, and make an impact in an interconnected world. Her professional accolades include the William J. Usery Fellowship Award (2005) and the Executive Excellence Award from Johns Hopkins University.

CPT Steven Hardie Stanley, Jr. (JC c/o ’18) has dedicated his life to service, education, and leadership—values that reflect the very heart of Georgia Military College. Since beginning his Army career in 2010, CPT Stanley has built a reputation as a skilled Human Resources Officer and an inspiring mentor to soldiers and students alike. A proud GMC alumnus, he earned associate degrees in Business Administration and General Studies from GMC, which became the foundation for an impressive academic journey that includes a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies, a master’s in human resources management, a master’s in higher education administration, and a graduate certificate in organizational change. He is currently pursuing a doctorate in business administration with a concentration in human resources management, demonstrating his steadfast commitment to lifelong learning and professional excellence.

CPT Stanley’s professional achievements are equally remarkable. He has earned the prestigious Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certification and currently serves in the elite 82nd Airborne Division. Beyond his military responsibilities, he has impacted countless lives as an Assistant Professor of Military Science at Morgan State and Coppin State Universities, shaping the next generation of Army leaders. His passion for mentorship extends to helping fellow soldiers pursue education and commission through programs like Green to Gold—successfully guiding several to follow in his footsteps at GMC. His service to his community, his dedication to developing others, and his example of perseverance and integrity make CPT Stanley a true leader and an inspiring recipient of the Emerging Young Alumni Leader Award!

Colonel Lee Allen Thompson (JC c/o ’73) exemplifies the values of service, leadership, and integrity. While a cadet at GMC, he was selected for and completed the Army’s Ranger School at Fort Benning, Georgia, earning the coveted Ranger Tab. After graduating from GMC, he wasted no time pursuing his dream of becoming an Army aviator. Having completed civilian flight training while still a cadet and accepting his commission immediately upon graduation, he reported for active duty and attended the Armor Offices Basic Course followed immediately by Flight School, earning the wings of an Army aviator upon completion. Over the course of an extraordinary 30-year active-duty career, COL Thompson served in some of the Army’s most demanding assignments, including three overseas tours and a wartime deployment to Southwest Asia during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm in 1990-1991.

Throughout his career, COL Thompson built a reputation as a dedicated combat arms officer and skilled aviator, achieving the designation of Master Army Aviator. His assignments ranged from Scout pilot in Germany’s Fulda Gap during the height of the Cold War, to instructor pilot and company commander at Fort Rucker, Alabama, to executive officer of the Apache helicopter battalion in the 24th Mechanized Infantry Division during the Gulf War, where he earned the Air Medal and numerous other decorations for his leadership and valor. He later commanded an Apache helicopter battalion in Giebelstadt, Germany, served in a Joint assignment as the Headquarters Commandant for the United States Central Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, and served as Chief of the Combat Readiness Division, Office of Military Cooperation, in Kuwait, cementing his status as one of the Army’s most respected leaders. Known for his commitment to his soldiers, he led from the front and inspired those who served under him.

Master Sergeant (Ret) Patricia Baisden (JC c/o ’94) is a devoted mother, grandmother, and tireless advocate for veterans and youth, embodying the true spirit of service and compassion. For decades, she has dedicated herself to uplifting her community, leading initiatives that have touched thousands of lives. Her extraordinary efforts have earned her national recognition, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from both Presidents Biden and Obama, the Daily Points of Light Award from President George H.W. Bush, and the Goodwill Ambassador Award from Governor Brian Kemp. Through her leadership, she has organized programs such as Toys for Tots, bringing joy to more than 6,000 children, providing meals for over 1,000 homeless veterans, and launching the Annual Meals for Minors Program to feed at-risk youth during the summer months.

As the CEO of Southern Crescent Veteran Services, Inc., MSG Baisden continues to change lives across multiple states, offering critical support to veterans and their families while mentoring and inspiring young people. Known for her generosity and hands-on approach, she often personally funds emergency assistance for veterans to prevent homelessness or restore basic utilities. She also encourages others to pursue their education at GMC, proudly sharing how the college helped lay the foundation for her success. Her legacy as a devoted mother to PFC Eddie D.J. Baisden and Patrick A. Baisden, and grandmother to Princess Isabella Orroro Cassiel Baisden, coupled with her life of service, reflects the very best of GMC’s values of “Duty, Honor, Country.”

Reverend William “Bill” Clark (JC c/o ’75) has dedicated his life to faith, service, and compassion, embodying the Georgia Military College values of Duty, Honor, and love of Country in every aspect of his ministry. A proud alumnus and GMC’s first-ever Brigade Chaplain (1974-1975), Reverend Clark has spent the past five decades answering the call to serve others—spiritually, emotionally, and physically.

After graduating from Sparkman High School in Alabama in 1973, Reverend Clark earned a scholarship to attend GMC, where he completed his associate degree in 1975. It was during his time at GMC that he first felt called to the ministry, a moment that shaped the course of his life. He went on to attend Lee College in Cleveland, Tennessee, to study theology and later returned to Alabama to begin his pastoral journey. Over the years, he has pastored several congregations and now serves as an Ordained Bishop in the Church of God.

In 2005, Reverend Clark and his wife, Kathy—his devoted partner in life and ministry—moved to Knoxville, Tennessee, where they began outreach efforts serving the homeless and less fortunate. Their work included distributing meals, clothing, and food boxes to families in need. When the couple relocated to Church Hill, Tennessee, in 2019, they established a free clothes closet and food pantry through their local Church of God congregation. Through these ministries, they have served more than 16,000 people, providing not only essential resources but also dignity, hope, and compassion to those facing hardship.

For decades, Shannon New-Diaz (Prep c/o ’75, JC c/o ’76) has been a steadfast supporter of Georgia Military College, giving her time, talents, and leadership to benefit the school and the broader community. A dedicated volunteer for the GMC Foundation, Shannon has helped advance countless initiatives to strengthen the college’s mission and support its students.

Beyond her work with GMC, she is a passionate advocate for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Forty years ago, she became a certified coach for the Special Olympics, beginning a lifetime of support of the organization. She is certified in over 16 Special Olympics sports. Over the last thirty years, she was a member on the alumni board and spearheaded local and regional and state efforts for the Special Olympics and continues to serve those with special needs through a variety of programs such as Life Enrichment Center.

She was also instrumental in founding and served on the Oconee River Greenway foundation as a Vice President and volunteer. For many years, she organized the local Hearts for Heroes drive to send cards, stuffed animals, and candy to wounded troops at Ft. Stewart, other rehabilitation hospitals, and in Afghanistan, as a Valentine’s Day project. Georgia Military College was incredibly supportive of the program. Shannon was also on the board of Georgia Old Capital Heritage Center and continues as a volunteer and is involved in Lockerly Arboretum events.