Drew congratulates the alum on the incredible achievement
December 2023 – Drew University alum the Rev. Dr. Lee H. Butler Jr. G’92,’94 was appointed as President of Iliff School of Theology in July 2023.
Butler earned his PhD and Master of Philosophy in Psychology and Religion from Drew. He also holds a Master of Theology in Pastoral Theology from Princeton Theological Seminary, and a Master of Divinity from Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary (now Palmer Theological Seminary).
“We congratulate the Rev. Dr. Lee H. Butler Jr. on this great accomplishment,” said Drew Theological School Dean Edwin David Aponte. “Iliff School of Theology has gained a courageous leader at a critical time for theological education.”
Prior to joining Iliff School of Theology, Butler served as the Vice President of Academic Affairs (VPAA) and Academic Dean, and the William Tabbernee Professor of the History of Religions and Africana Pastoral Theology at Phillips Theological Seminary. He is the first African American tenured full professor and the first person of color to hold the office of VPAA and Academic Dean and serve as Acting President at Phillips.
An ordained minister of the American Baptist Churches USA, Butler’s professional development includes experience in pastoral ministry, chaplaincy, pastoral counseling, denominational, and seminary administration.
Butler is the co-editor of The Edward Wimberly Reader: A Black Pastoral Theology, author of Listen, My Son: Wisdom to Help African American Fathers, Liberating Our Dignity, Saving Our Souls, A Loving Home: Caring for African American Marriage and Families, and numerous articles published in many books and professional journals on the subject of pastoral care and pastoral psychology.
