User:LTCH2016/sandbox

Jim Huggins is an American writer, speaker, and filmmaker. He is also the president/CEO of New Shepherd Films, an independent film production company producing faith and family entertainment for the mainstream market.

Background
Earning a B.S. in mathematics from Campbell University, Dr. Huggins began his career in 1984 as an officer in the U.S. Air Force. After a string of successes that ultimately took him to the Pentagon, he volunteered for a selectively manned position at HQ US Central Command during Operation Desert Storm and continued to serve in subsequent operations in the Middle East and northern Africa. He has received numerous awards including the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, two Joint Service Commendation Medals, and the Air Force Commendation Medal. Presented with unique opportunities to direct his talents towards innovative technology startup companies in the private sector, Jim moved from the Active Duty forces to the Reserves. His continued success propelled him upward with ever-increasing responsibilities where he excelled at a global level as part of a select management team between AMR and CSX; two of the world’s largest transportation companies. Along the way, Jim earned an MS in Engineering and a Ph.D. in Engineering Management specializing in computer and software engineering.

Dr. Huggins has also taught a variety of disciplines at two major universities. He served as a Professor of Computer Science at Campbell University as well as an Adjunct Professor/Lecturer in Aerospace Studies for the Air Force ROTC program at NC State University.

Transition to Entertainment
In 2006, Dr. Huggins set his sights on the entertainment industry. Recognizing the need for family-friendly films and other entertainment products with a solid faith-based message, he turned his passion for storytelling into the driving force behind a new career. By 2009, Dr. Huggins’ had become an award-winning stage actor, experienced director, and professionally trained TV/film actor. From this came New Shepherd Films, an entertainment company dedicated to producing faith and family content specifically for the “crossover audience”.

Today
By 2011, Dr. Huggins and his team released their first film, “[http://www.footprintsmovie.com FOOTPRINTS - Angels are real. Some even have fur.]” Based on the reviews, audience reactions, and an ever-increasing fan base, they clearly hit the target. His next two films, “Forgotten Heroes” and “The Christmas Express” are already in the works with a third project in the works. But his desire to impact the culture around him in a positive way as a storyteller goes beyond movies. Entertainment extends into books, as well. Here, Dr. Huggins has become a published author with two books in worldwide release through a strategic alliance between New Shepherd Films and Archway Publishing in association with Simon and Schuster.

Most recently, Dr. Huggins was awarded a Doctor of Divinity(hc) for his work in Creative Evangelism and is an ordained pastor.