Butcher honored for distinguished service

Thomas A. Butcher, university counsel at Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Michigan, received the Distinguished Service Award from the National Association of College and University Attorneys. The award recognizes members who have given extraordinary service to NACUA and institutions of higher learning.

“I am deeply humbled to be recognized by my colleagues who practice law in higher education,” said Butcher. “It has been truly an honor to serve Grand Valley State University and to represent it through service to the National Association of College and University Attorneys.”

Butcher has been general counsel for Grand Valley since 1989 — the first and only person to serve the university in this capacity. He received his associate’s and bachelor’s degrees from Ferris State University and his juris doctorate from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. Butcher’s involvement in NACUA spans nearly 25 years.

“Tom’s leadership extends beyond Grand Valley,” said Thomas J. Haas, president of Grand Valley. “Through this recognition he brings credit not only to himself but to our university and our state.”

Butcher received the award at the annual NACUA meeting in San Diego.