New chair established by Carol Butler to support outstanding faculty
When the late William T. Butler, M.D., became President of Baylor College of Medicine in 1977, he did not assume his position alone—his wife, Carol Butler, was by his side. Together, the couple used their collaborative partnership, community-building gifts and forward-thinking vision to shape Baylor’s culture, creating an institution renowned not only for innovation in biomedical science but also for an empowering academic environment.
Dr. and Mrs. Butler’s commitment to cultivating talent endures through her direction of a gift to establish the William T. and Carol A. Butler Career Development Chair in the Department of Medicine, a new career development chair for emerging leaders in the Department of Medicine. Mrs. Butler is also directing funds to support other causes, including general scholarship support, the Baylor College of Medicine archives, vaccine development research and pancreatic cancer research.
When Dr. Butler assumed the presidency, formal leadership development structures were limited. Trained as a scientist, he found himself leading departments that required financial and management expertise, which he sought out through executive training at Harvard. Mrs. Butler points to the ongoing need for structured programs to prepare faculty for leadership roles.
“You need a program, something organized, and senior faculty who are willing to participate,” she said. “Experienced faculty can pass on a ton of knowledge… but you need organization to encourage that.”
Hashem El-Serag, M.D., M.P.H., chair and professor of Medicine and vice president of the Learning Health System at Baylor, expressed his appreciation for the Butlers’ gift:
“The use of the William T. and Carol A. Butler Career Development Chair will reflect our commitment to investing in our people—our greatest asset,” said Dr. El-Serag. “This chair will support emerging leaders in the department by advancing career development and strengthening our pipeline of outstanding faculty. We are grateful to the Butlers for their generosity and for helping us build a future defined by excellence.”
The couple’s legacy is built on a shared commitment to service.
“You must have a purpose, and you must be willing to share your talent, your time and your assets, whatever they might be,” Mrs. Butler said. “Share your knowledge and try to help people accomplish their dreams, because in the long run, you’ll accomplish yours too.”
