Press contact: Kyla Kruse

SPRINGFIELD — Brice R. Huddleston, retired Colonel, U.S. Air Force, of Reno, Nevada, a graduate of Lincoln Land Community College, was honored by the Illinois Community College Trustees Association on June 7 with the statewide Distinguished Alumnus Award. 

The statewide Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes the professional, technical and humanitarian accomplishments of individuals who have graduated from Illinois community colleges. LLCC Board Chair Gordon Gates noted, “Beyond his professional accomplishments, Brice ‘Hud’ exemplifies the values of integrity, perseverance and service, serving as an inspirational role model for aspiring professionals across diverse backgrounds … Now he gives back to LLCC students with a scholarship, helping others get the education they need to realize their dreams.”

Huddleston earned an associate in applied science degree from LLCC and a bachelor’s degree from University of Illinois Springfield. He was selected for Air Force Navigator Training and worked as an F-4 weapon systems officer. In 1993 he was called to active duty as the F-16 action officer, coordinating training and operational guidance and deploying to Kuwait and Saudi Arabia for F-16 combat missions. Huddleston’s flying career ended in 2003 with over 2,000 fighter jet flying hours.

He then worked at the Pentagon, assisting in deployment of Air Force assets to support Operation Iraqi Freedom. Huddleston later oversaw the National Guard Joint Operations Center, coordinating support in response to hurricanes, fires and floods. After retiring from the Air Force in 2008, he worked as a consultant until 2021.

“Lincoln Land Community College not only provided the higher education and my desired curriculum, but allowed me to care for family and my job without compromise,” said Huddleston. “Later in life when I was able to give back, I chose Lincoln Land Community College for my scholarship so that students in the community where I grew up could best balance the commitments of education, family and work, like I was able to do.”

Also at the ICCTA Awards Banquet, Samantha Enz, secretary, LLCC Board of Trustees, received a Trustee Education Award. The award recognizes outstanding achievement in the area of professional development, with participation in 15 or more ICCTA seminars. Matt Shaver, LLCC professor integrated media design, was recognized as a nominee for the Outstanding Full-Time Faculty Member Award.