Dr. Judy L. Mitchell
Dr. Judy L. Mitchell served as the ninth president of Joliet Junior College (JJC) from 2016 until her retirement in 2022, after beginning her tenure as interim president in March 2016. She was honored with President Emerita status in 2022. A committed community leader, Dr. Mitchell served on multiple boards, including the Silver Cross Hospital Board and Habitat for Humanity. She was also active in the Rotary Club of New Lenox and the Lincolnway Area Business Women's Organization. During her leadership, JJC navigated Illinois' fiscal crisis, reducing operating costs by over $2 million and securing more than $5.4 million in grants in FY15. In FY22, she presented JJC's 49th consecutive balanced budget. Under her guidance, JJC received the GFOA Best Practices Award for Budgeting and the AACC Advancing Diversity Award in 2021. Dr. Mitchell earned numerous accolades, including the Silver Cross Hospital Sangmeister Medal of Excellence (2024) and the Governor State University Distinguished Alumni Award (2023). She was also awarded the Gary W. Davis Ethical Leadership Award in 2021 and the Zonta Club of Joliet’s Woman of Distinction Award in 2018. Her career at JJC spanned 26 years, starting in 1996, and included leadership roles in Adult and Family Services, Business and Auxiliary Services, and Administrative Services. She holds a doctorate in community college leadership from National-Louis University, an MBA, and a Bachelor's degree from Governors State University. In retirement, Dr. Mitchell founded Judy Mitchell Consulting, a firm dedicated to supporting community colleges, continuing her commitment to student success.
Appears in 1 Episode
From Students to Presidents: JJC Alumni Shaping the Future of Community College
In episode eight of the JJC Alumni Podcast, host Jen Davis celebrates Community College Month by showcasing the incredible impact of Joliet Junior College (JJC) and it...
