Dr. Malinda Butler retires after nearly 50 years in education
After a five-decade calling as an educator, an Alcorn State University faculty member is saying goodbye to a storied career and looking forward to life as a retiree.
Dr. Malinda Butler ’72, former dean of Alcorn’s School of Education and Psychology, recently retired after 48 years as an educator. Most recently, she served as an interim dean to assist the School in its accreditation process. During her tenure, she also served as director of the Master of Arts in Teaching program, director of Institutional Effectiveness, chair of the School, and associate dean.
Most of Butler’s educational career was spent as a high school science teacher. One of her career highlights was serving as an advisor and teacher for the Technology Student Association (TSA) at Port Gibson High School’s Vocational/Technology Program.
Despite her love for educating, Butler believes that now is the perfect opportunity to step aside and make way for the School’s next leader.
“It feels bittersweet,” said Butler. “There comes a time in all our lives when we must pass the baton. That time has arrived for me.”
The journey at Alcorn has been fulfilling for Butler. Inspiring generations of young educators is the highlight of her tenure.
“Working for the School has been rewarding. Being a part of the team that helps prepare new teachers and school professionals while inspiring the next generation of individuals to be all they can be is uplifting. It has been rewarding to wake up daily, motivate, educate, and have fun with our students. I believe my job has helped me to stay young at heart.”
Of Butler’s many accomplishments in her career, securing the School’s Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) accreditation is one of her favorite moments. Alcorn is the first HBCU in the country and the first institution of higher learning in Mississippi to become CAEP accredited.
“I am incredibly proud of having been on the leadership team that assisted the School in becoming the first in the state and the first HBCU in the nation to become CAEP accredited. To serve with our School’s CAEP coordinator, Dr. LaShundia Carson, in ensuring the reaffirmation of that accreditation was a success is an honor.”
Alcorn provided Butler with a space to arrive at her potential. She’s grateful for the years and experiences that the University provided.
“Alcorn is where it all began for me. As a 17-year-old, I was introduced to the Alcorn experience as a freshman. I will forever be grateful for the social and academic formal teachings that Alcorn provided me. I will miss the comradeship of individuals I’ve worked with in the University community, especially the teaching and interaction with students. To thee ole Alcorn, I owe you much.”
