Remembering Jeffrey A. Butts

Jeffrey A. Butts, AAUP secretary-treasurer from 2002 to 2008, died on February 19 in Boone, North Carolina. He was seventy-seven years old. After earning a PhD in biology at Bowling Green State University in 1973, Jeff accepted his first teaching appointment at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. In 1981 he joined the faculty at Appalachian State University in Boone where he taught until his retirement in 2013.

After becoming an AAUP member in 1977, Jeff immediately embarked on a long career of service to the Association on the local, state, and national levels. He was chapter president at UNC–Charlotte and at Appalachian State, among other roles; he held numerous offices in the North Carolina AAUP state conference, including two terms as president; and he undertook a dozen or so national roles besides that of secretary-treasurer, including chair of the Assembly of State Conferences, national Council member, member of the Council executive committee, and first vice president.

Those who knew Jeff recall his courtly demeanor, kindness and geniality, unflappability, rich baritone voice, ready laugh, and hint of a Southern drawl (despite being born and raised in Michigan). Former AAUP president Cary Nelson, who worked closely with Jeff during his tenure as secretary-treasurer, commented, “Jeff was an infallible source of reason throughout the years when we were both active in the AAUP, but his good judgment came with a wry sense of irony, an equally essential character trait. He was also a good friend.”

Jeff is survived by his wife Diane and three children. Jonathan (JJ) Butts, a professor of English at Simpson College (IA), chairs the Faculty Council and is AAUP chapter president.