Tom Butcher honored for nearly 40 years of service to university law

Thomas A. Butcher, vice president emeritus and long-time general counsel for GVSU, was recently named a Life Member of the National Association of College and University Attorneys.

The NACUA grants such memberships after an individual’s retirement from the regular practice of higher education law in recognition of outstanding service and substantial contributions to the association.

Butcher retired from GVSU in 2021 after nearly 40 years of service. He became GVSU’s first general counsel in 1989. In 1999 he was awarded a Fulbright Fellowship to travel throughout Germany and study its educational system.

“He has welcomed new members and encouraged them to become engaged, providing examples of how to do that,” Butcher’s colleagues noted in comments provided by NACUA. “His contributions have been sustained, substantial and always offered in a positive manner. He has been a role model for active participation by members who have small or no staff. (He probably gave up sleeping years ago.) He makes all of us better, and I have no doubt that, as a Life Member, will continue his giving and generous ways.”

Butcher served on the NACUA Board of Directors from 1996-99 and received the Distinguished Service Award in 2008.

Butcher earned his Bachelor of Science degree with a dual major in business administration and industrial/personnel relations, with high honors, from Ferris State University and his Juris Doctor degree, cum laude, from Thomas M. Cooley Law School.