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Troy University named Greenville native Richard H. Boutwell as Senior Vice Chancellor for Advancement, effective Jan. 1.

Boutwell, a retired Air Force brigadier general, is a 1991 Troy alumnus. As Vice Chancellor, he will assume responsibility for governmental relations, development/alumni affairs, public affairs, and strategic oversight of the University’s relationship with all branches of the military services.

“Gen. Boutwell brings a wealth of leadership skills and passion to this position,” said Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr. “He excelled in every assignment during his U.S. Air Force career, and was chosen to fly as a member of the elite Thunderbirds squadron, known as the world’s most advanced aviators. His wife Leslie and his daughter Hailey are also Troy graduates, and the Boutwells have a deep appreciation for the opportunities afforded them through their Troy University education.”

Boutwell said he looks forward to coming onboard the Troy team.

“Leslie and I are so honored to join the amazing team at Troy University,” he said. “It is truly wonderful to be back home at Troy University, and we look forward to serving and growing the Trojan family.”

Before retiring in 2021 from his 30-year Air Force career, Boutwell served most recently as Deputy Commanding General of the 15th Air Force, where he led the largest of the Department of Defense’s numbered air forces, some 47,000 employees and $600 billion in the branch’s most advanced weapons systems.

Boutwell served in command positions in multiple Air Force units, ensuring the success of missions in 13 operating locations in Iraq and Syria and leading armed forces across the globe.

From 2000-2003, Boutwell flew with the Thunderbirds, and has served as flight examiner and instructor pilot.

After earning his bachelor’s degree in Physical Education from Troy, Boutwell earned master’s degrees in Military Operational Art and Science from the Air Command Staff College and National Security Strategy from the National War College.

Boutwell earned the Air Combat Command’s Installation Excellence Award as well as the Air Force and ACC Top Unit Awards while serving as 99th Air Base Wing Commander at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada.

Boutwell was a Troy University Alumni of the Year Award recipient in 2017.