General Rick Boutwell announced as LBW Outstanding Alumnus 2025

LBW Community College has named retired U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Rick Boutwell as its 2025 Outstanding Alumnus. A native of Greenville, General Boutwell earned an associate degree from LBW before launching a distinguished military career and later transitioning into leadership in higher education.

After graduating from LBW, General Boutwell continued his education at Troy State University, earning a bachelor’s degree, followed by master’s degrees from the Air Command and Staff College and the National War College.

Commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1991, General Boutwell went on to earn his pilot wings in 1993. Over the next three decades, he accumulated more than 3,500 flying hours in the F-15, F-16 and F-22 aircraft, including 149 hours in combat. He also served as a demonstration pilot with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds.

His military career included command roles at the squadron, group and wing levels. He concluded his service as vice commander of the 15th Air Force, where he was responsible for 13 wings, 800 aircraft and more than 47,000 active-duty and civilian personnel.

““We are honored that General Boutwell chose LBW to begin writing his academic story, and he continues to be a great ambassador for our college,” said LBW President Dr. Brock Kelley. “His legacy of service, leadership and excellence reflects the mission and values of our college. We are proud to recognize him as this year’s Outstanding Alumnus.”

In December 2023, General Boutwell was named chief of staff at Faulkner University in Montgomery. In this role, he oversees daily operations, implements strategic initiatives, and helps guide institutional priorities in support of Faulkner’s mission.

“LBW gave me the academic foundation and personal confidence I needed to grow into the person and leader I wanted to become,” General Boutwell said. “I am deeply honored to be recognized by the very institution that helped start it all.”

LBW’s academic transfer ceremony will be held on Friday, May 9, at 10 a.m., and the career technical ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. at the Kiwanis Community Center in Andalusia. General Boutwell will be honored during the 10 a.m. ceremony.