Kentucky State University mourns the loss of its former President Dr. William A. Butts
Kentucky State University (KSU) mourns the loss of former President Dr. William A. Butts. Dr. Butts died on June 8. He served as KSU’s eleventh president from 1975 to 1982.
The Kilmichael, Mississippi, native was born in 1933. After graduating high school, Butts completed two years of study at Mississippi Vocational College (now Mississippi Valley State University) in Itta Bena. In 1953, Butts joined the U.S. Army, Dr. Butts completed his tour of duty and returned to earn his B.S. degree from his alma mater. He later was awarded a Ph.D. from Southern Illinois University.
Dr. Butts taught at Mississippi Valley State University and Delta State University in Cleveland, Mississippi. In 1975, Dr. Butts was appointed the eleventh president of Kentucky State University in Frankfort, Kentucky.
Visitation for Dr. Butts will be held on Friday, June 16 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Turner Chapel AME Church, 717 Walthall Street, Greenwood, Mississippi.
Dr. Butts will lie in repose at the Walter Roberts Auditorium on the Mississippi Valley State University Campus on Saturday, June 17 starting from 8 a.m. until 9:50 a.m. A ceremony performed by Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. honoring Dr. Butts will begin at 9:15 a.m. concluding at 9:50 a.m. Funeral services will begin at 10 a.m.
Burial service for Dr. Butts will be Monday, June 19 at 1 p.m. at the Mississippi Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 258 Honors Circle Newton, Mississippi, he will be buried with full Military Honors.