Published on April 20, 2026 7:14 am
Last Updated on April 20, 2026 7:15 am
Illinois Eastern Community Colleges mourns the death of former Chief Executive Officer Terry L. Bruce, who passed away on April 17, 2026. Mr. Bruce’s decades of leadership and public service left a lasting mark on the institution, the region, and the Illinois community college system.
Bruce served as CEO of Illinois Eastern Community Colleges from 1996 until his retirement in 2019. Over those 23 years, he helped guide the district through a period of significant transformation while maintaining a strong commitment to students, employees, and the communities served by IECC.
In addition to his leadership at IECC, Bruce served on the Illinois Community College Board, including as Vice Chair. Earlier in his career, he served in both the Illinois Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives. Throughout his public life, he played an important role in advancing education and public service in southern Illinois.
Bruce was preceded in death by his wife, Charlotte Bruce, who passed away in 2024. She was closely connected to Olney Central College and its library and was a valued member of the IECC community. Together, they shared a longstanding connection to IECC and to the communities the district serves.
Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, April 24. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 25. Both will take place at Kistler-Patterson Funeral Home, in Olney, Illinois.