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Troy University on Tuesday named retired Air Force Brig. Gen. Richard H. Boutwell, a 1991 Troy University alumnus, as senior vice chancellor for advancement effective Jan. 1. The role includes responsibility for governmental relations, development/alumni affairs, public affairs and strategic oversight of the university’s relationship with all branches of the military services.
A native of Greenville, Boutwell succeeds Maj. Gen. Walter Givhan, another USAF retiree, in the position. Retired Troy administrator Dr. John Schmidt had served in the role on an interim basis.
“Gen. Boutwell brings a wealth of leadership skills and passion to this position,” said chancellor 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 looked forward to joining the Troy University 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.”
Boutwell retired in 2021 after nearly 30 years in the Air Force, most recently serving as deputy commanding general of the 15th air force where he led the largest Department of Defense’s numbered air forces, comprising over 47,000 employees and $600 billion in the USAF’s most advanced weapons systems.
Prior to that assignment, Boutwell served as Commanding General Task Force-Air, Commanding General of the 321st Air Expeditionary Wing and Deputy Commanding General of the 9th Air Expeditionary Task Force-Levant, ensuring the success of missions in 13 operating locations in Iraq and Syria.
Boutwell flew with the U.S.A.F. Thunderbirds from 2000-2003, based at Nellis Air Force Base, and also has served as a F-22, F-15C and F-16 flight examiner and instructor pilot.
Boutwell earned his bachelor’s degree in physical education from Troy, and earned master’s degrees in military operational art and science from the Air Command and Staff College and national security strategy from the National War College.
He has received the Air Combat Command’s Installation Excellence Award as Wing Commander, the Air Force/Air Combat Command Top Unit Awards as Wing Commander and was a Troy University Alumni of the Year Award recipient in 2017. He was inducted into the Texas Aviation Museum’s Wall of Honor, and was a Distinguished Graduate of the Reserve Officer Training Course, the Undergraduate Pilot Training, the F-15C Formal Training and Squadron Officer Course. He was also the Top F-15C air-superiority student for 1993.
