Raymond V. Chisum, son of 1. Lester and Agnes J. Chisum, was born in Covington County, Alabama, on April 10, 1934. His marriage to the former Sara Martha Moore produced two children, Angela Claire Chisum (Martin) and Raymond Lester Chisum.
Raymond graduated from Straughn High School in 1952, received his B.S. Degree in Business Education and English from Troy State University in 1955, M.S.-Degree in Educational Administration and Guidance from Auburn University in 1961, AA Certificate in Educational Administration from Auburn University in- 1968. He continued his education throughout his life through participation in workshops and seminars.
Raymond is known for his strong work ethic, integrity, sense of responsibility to community and church, and his exceptional leadership ability. These traits motivated him to excel as a leader in civic and church affairs; however, it was in the field of education that he left his greatest legacy.
His civic activities span many years. He served as a member on several Boards of Directors, including the Covington County Economic Development, Covington County Department of Human Resources, The Columbia Foundation, and the Alabama Mental Health Association. His service to Opp included leadership roles in the Downtown Restoration Board, Board of Education, Education Study Task Force, Opp United Fund, Chamber of Commerce, and Lions Club.
Beginning in 1964 when he joined the First Baptist Church of Opp, he worked faithfully in all aspects of church organization and activities, serving as Deacon and heading countless committees throughout the years. He was a Representative to the Covington Baptist Association and on the State Board of Missions, where he worked in many areas. He was also chairman of the Board of Trustees for The Baptist Foundation of Alabama.
Even though he distinguished himself in civic and church work, it is as an educator that he gained his greatest reputation. His teaching career began in 1955 in Crenshaw County; then from 1959-1961 he served in the Army as a military instructor. During the span of his career, he spent 42 years as a teacher, counselor, and administrator–with 35 of those years devoted to students in Opp.
In 1963 he was hired as Opp High School’s first Guidance Counselor. By 1964 he was principal of South Highlands Elementary School, and by 1971 he was Assistant Superintendent for Opp City Schools. While in this capacity, he helped secure federal funds for the development and construction of a “model” middle school. His next administrative move, in 1975, was as Dean of Instruction at Douglas MacArthur State Technical College. From 1983-1996, Raymond served as president of MacArthur. During his tenure as president, major physical improvements were completed along with improvements in curricula that included a customized training program for industry as well as a cooperative education program. He also established a college foundation to provide scholarships for students and initiated a contract between the college and Opp Public Library. In 1996 the Raymond V. Chisum Health Sciences Building was completed. This building stands as a testament to his commitment to health care programs, specifically practical nursing, surgical technology, and the registered nursing program.
During his career he received many honors. In 1969 he was named Alabama Jaycees “Outstanding Young Educator”; in 1981 he was honored by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools for his service and commitment to the Commission on Occupational Education Institutions; and then in 1983, The University of Mobile bestowed on Raymond an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters. In 1985 he was named a member of the Council of Presidents, a committee appointed to serve in an advisory capacity to the Alabama Commission on Higher Education by the Chancellor of the Department of Postsecondary Education. There were many other prestigious awards. From 1955 until his death, he was an active member of both the Alabama Education Association and the National Education Association, serving in many leadership roles in these associations. He was also a member of the American Association of Community, Junior and Technical Colleges.
For his tireless service to others, Raymond Chisum certainly earned his place in the Opp Hall of Fame. He was inducted in 2006.
