 Terry Bruce Olney |
Terry L. Bruce is currently the Chief Executive Officer of Illinois Eastern Community Colleges – a four-college system comprised of Frontier College, Lincoln Trail College, Olney Central College, and Wabash Valley College. The Illinois Eastern Community College system provides educational opportunities for more than 34,000 students every year. The colleges are known for their excellence in education for transfer students, international programs, and vocational and technical training. The colleges also provide extensive industrial training to industries throughout Illinois. Prior to coming to Illinois Eastern, Bruce was United States Congressman from 1985 – 1993. He served on the Education committee, the Agriculture committee, and the Commerce committee. As U.S. Congressman for the 19th District, Bruce represented the eighth largest district in the United States in terms of higher education students. The district included the University of Illinois, Eastern Illinois University, and six community colleges. Bruce also served as an Illinois State Senator from 1970-1984. He served on the Education Committee, and for 14 consecutive years, was the sponsor of funding legislation for all forty community colleges in the state-wide system. He was also principal author of all significant community college legislation during his term of office. From 1974-1984, Bruce was the Assistant Majority Leader in the Illinois State Senate.
Bruce is a graduate of the University of Illinois, and the University of Illinois College of Law. He is married to Charlotte Bruce, and they have two daughters, Emily and Ellen. Term Expires: June 30, 2021 |