William A. Butts, who served as president of historically Black Kentucky State University from 1975 to 1982, died on June 9. He was 84 years old.
A native of Kilmichael, Mississippi, Butts enrolled at what is now Mississippi Valley State University. He left after two years to join the U.S. Army. After completing his tour of duty, he returned to Mississippi Valley State University to complete his bachelor’s degree. He went on to earn a Ph.D. at Southern Illinois University.
Dr. Butts taught at Mississippi Valley State University and Delta State University in Cleveland, Mississippi. In 1975, he was named the eleventh president of Kentucky State University.
