Trustee Jackie Butler receives first GC Professor of Biology Emeritus title

The Grayson College Board of Trustees voted to bestow Trustee and former professor Jackie Butler the honorary title of Professor of Biology Emeritus during its regularly scheduled meeting this week. This is the first time the college has awarded a Professor Emeritus title, which emerged from the work of the College Faculty Association. The title is meant to convey appreciation for her many contributions to the college and the wish for her to continued health and happiness as well as a feeling of joy and satisfaction, which rightfully comes to a person who has served so faithfully and honorably in the State of Texas.

“We’ve got a lot of great students that do great things and one of the reasons they do great things is that they have great teachers,” Board of Trustees Chair Ronnie Cole said. “The fact that this is the first time we’ve honored someone for 31 years of service leaves a footprint. I can’t think of anyone any better than Jackie Butler. She’s a remarkable instructor and has so many students who have gone on to do great things."

As a biology professor, Butler served GC for nearly 31 years before retiring in May of 2012. She also brought distinction and honor to the college through her textbook publications in the fields of microbiology and anatomy and physiology. During her tenure as a professor, she was also recognized as a Piper Professor Nominee.

Butler served the college in a variety of other ways including her time spent as the Chair of the Science and Math departments, President of the Faculty Association and advisor for Omicron Psi Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.

“It’s an honor,” Butler said. “Thank you. I never thought something like this would happen. I just want to say that Grayson College can be very proud of our students; they continue to remember GC. I can’t say enough about Grayson College and our students and how they go on to do great things. It’s great for faculty when they remember you."