BY MAUREEN TRAXLER

Internationally known for his leadership at the historic Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem, Dr. Calvin O. Butts, III assumed the position of head pastor in 1989 after a long working relationship with his predecessor, Dr. Samuel DeWitt Proctor. Together, they built upon the extraordinary legacy of the church’s famed leaders, enhancing ministries and social services, such as Christian education, scouting, tutoring and athletics for youth, a comprehensive community development corporation, and a deeper appreciation of music as part of worship.

Upon his succession as pastor, one of Dr. Butts’s first initiatives was to answer a call for affordable housing. Under his direction, $2.8 million was raised for the purchase and renovation of 26 apartment units for the homeless in Harlem. With the New York City Partnership, a $9 million, 100-unit senior citizen apartment complex was constructed and a number of moderate income condominiums renovated. To oversee these projects, he established the Abyssinian Development Corporation, a non-profit community based housing and commercial development organization.Dr. Butts also spearheaded service programs, such as “Health Watch,” a youth AIDS prevention program; “Education 2000” to enhance students’ math and science skills; and extended athletic and after-school programs.

Recognized as an innovator, leader and skilled administrator, Dr. Butts was approached by members
of the Trustees Board of the State University of New York and asked to accept the presidency of its College at Old Westbury. He says they made “compelling overtures” and he felt he could help the school, which was “at that time in a challenging place.” “I decided to take that challenge,” remarks Dr. Butts. During his eight-year tenure, he has brought about a resurrection of sorts for Old Westbury. Under his guidance, in excess of $5 million has been devoted to cutting-edge technology, including upgrades of computer labs and presentation capability in classrooms. Five new residence halls and a Student Union have been built, and a $74 million academic building is slated for completion in 2010. The College at Old Westbury has achieved national accreditation in Teacher Education status, “the gold standard,” says Dr. Butts. It has also established two graduate programs and expects to add about 10 more in the next two years. Old Westbury has brought on some 25 to 30 new faculty members, and Dr. Butts adds. “Our faculty is resourceful, and their participation in governance has helped this college pull ahead.” Enrollment is up, and admission standards are on the rise, too. “We have the most diverse student population in the State University,” remarks Dr. Butts. “We foster a sense of pride in that we are Black, White, Latino, Asian, Native American, male and female, and we are all able to live together peacefully and promote that in our educational experience.” While he’s determined to prepare students to succeed in the global marketplace and develop leadership qualities valuable to themselves and their communities, Dr. Butts regrets that his role as fundraiser does not allow him to spend as much time as he’d like with students.

While State University has been very supportive of efforts to rebuild Old Westbury, Dr. Butts says the college has received significant funding through private sources and individuals. “Much of the funding that has come to Old Westbury has been the result of our foundation,” Dr. Butts adds, “and our Board has been tremendously important to this success.” With 3,300 students, 200 faculty members, and staff, Old Westbury is no longer an isolated, small public college. “We’ve truly become a part of the
community and the entirety of Long Island,” remarks Dr. Butts. “Old Westbury is producing students who
will energize the workforce.” Through the efforts of the Hagedorn Foundation and KeySpan, the college
has instituted a civic engagement program, which has involved nearly 400 students in internships at not-for-profit organizations.

Old Westbury plans to reinvigorate its stables and riding trails (and include community use) and rebuild its equestrian team. Dr. Butts looks toward developing the cultural program at Old Westbury, and is in conversation with the Long Island Conservatory of Music and others to revive dance and the arts on campus. Asked how he manages his dual roles as pastor and college president, Dr. Butts says, “God gives you what you need to accomplish tasks.” The two roles have without doubt been complimentary with both college and church prospering.

A native of New York City, Dr. Butts says he’s “becoming a Long Islander.” He not only lives at Old Westbury with his wife, Patricia, but is also active in promoting Long Island as “a great place to live, visit and spend a little money.” He has jumped into some of Long Island’s complex issues, including affordable housing, working with local organizations to build businesses and housing developments in communities like New Cassel and Wyandanch. And, he has met with the Nassau County Police Commissioner, members of the District Attorney’s Office and local clergy to help stop violence that affects young people. Dr. Butts earned a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy from Morehouse College, the alma mater of Dr.
Martin Luther King, Jr., a Master of Divinity in Church History from the Union Theological Seminary (NYC), and a Doctor of Ministry in Church and Public Policy from Drew University. He has taught Urban Affairs at The City College of New York and Black Church History at Fordham University. Dr. Butts is currently president, Council of Churches of the City of New York; vice chair of the Board of Directors, United Way (NYC); chair of the Board of Directors, North General Hospital (NYC); member of
the Board of Trustees, American Red Cross, and a member of the boards of the Long Island Association,
Long Island Housing Partnership, Long Island Regional Advisory Council on Higher Education and L.I. Community Development Corporation. A sought after speaker, he has commented on social, religious, educational and ethical issues. He is the only preacher in his family, the father of three—Calvin, Jr., Alexander and Patricia—and he has three grandchildren.

“Public service seems to be where I’ve been called to serve,” says Dr. Butts. “If I can do that, I will continue to feel blessed.”

NETWORKING® January 2008