VP of Academic Affairs, Dean Departing Phillips this Summer

Editor’s Note: President Nancy Claire Pittman sent the following message to Phillips Theological Seminary employees, students and board members May 3, 2023.

Dear Phillips community,

I am writing to inform you of the departure of our esteemed Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean, Lee H. Butler, Jr., from Phillips Theological Seminary as he becomes the next president of The Iliff School of Theology in Denver, Colo starting July 1.

We celebrate the tremendous opportunity this is for Dr. Butler as we recognize his dedicated faithfulness to Phillips the past three years. His contributions as an administrative leader, informed by his scholarship, have made significant contributions to Phillips and helped to reposition our future for growth.

We are grateful for Dr. Butler’s leadership, dedication, and service to Phillips Theological Seminary, and we wish him all the best in this exciting new chapter of his career. We are confident that he will continue to make deep and meaningful contributions to theological education and scholarship wherever he is called. I have invited him to be our commencement speaker this year as a way of honoring his time here at Phillips and he has accepted. In those days of celebrating achievements, we will honor and say goodbye to him.

As Phillips begins the search for a new dean, we remain committed to maintaining the high standards of academic excellence, social justice, and inclusivity that are our hallmarks. Thank you for your understanding during this time of transition. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me.

Peace this day.

Nancy Claire Pittman, president