Terry & Susan Asher

Terry Asher is a lifelong Illinois resident. He was the oldest of three sons and he grew up on a small grain and dairy farm near Loraine in Adams County. Terry discovered SIU and its engineering program during a brief visit in the spring of 1974. He graduated in 1979 with an Engineering degree and accepted an Air Force Commission through the local SIU Reserve Officer Training Corps Detachment 205. In 1987 he also earned a Master’s Degree in Systems Management from the University of Southern California.

Terry was the first and only of his immediate family to have attended any university or to earn a degree. Terry served for over 22 years as an Air Force officer in a variety of engineering, intelligence and space operations assignments. He attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and retired in July 2002. After retirement Terry returned to Adams County and served the community through numerous volunteer positions. In 2010 he was elected the Adams County Treasurer and Collector where he still serves/served through 2018.

Terry is married to Susan Asher from Philadelphia, PA. Susan also is a veteran and served over 23 years in the Air Force, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in 2001. His two brothers also enlisted and served a combined total of fifty years in the Air Force.