Published on 10 July 2019
Major General Mitch Mitchell QVS MBE grew up in Durham and was educated at St Leonard’s Comprehensive School. After passing out from Sandhurst in 1984 Mitch was commissioned into the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, graduating with a First from the Royal Military College of Science, then a Masters in Guided Weapons.
He has led fighting troops in Kosovo, Iraq, Afghanistan and Rwanda ensuring advanced military equipment, from helicopters to tanks, was fit for use.
Mitch is currently running the Ministry of Defence’s think tank looking at future changes, from climate to technology, and considering how that may impact on security, and ensuring that the armed forces use appropriate technology.
Major General Mitchell said: “This has been an incredibly special day for me and it went too quickly. I am very privileged and honoured to have been asked. This is not an honour that will stop, I will continue to support the University whenever I can.
“Being back in Sunderland has been a wonderful experience, I grew up in Durham and have such fond memories of standing on the terraces of Roker Park. The warmth and friendliness of the people hits you as soon as arrive back in the North East.
“It was wonderful to see all those young faces as they made their way across the stage. They are our leaders of tomorrow and should be rightly proud of their achievements.”
Major General Mitch Mitchell was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Technology, in recognition of his work developing strategic thinking and leadership skills, across the armed forces network.