Bethel Stadium Named in Honor of Dr. Walter Butler

McKENZIE (November 2) — The Walter Butler Stadium was officially dedicated to the recently retired president of the local, private four-year university. Walter Butler retired on December 31, 2023 after years of service at Bethel University and in local and state government. He started his career at Bethel College as a recruiter.

Bethel students, faculty and administrators gathered in front of the entrance of Walter Butler Stadium for the dedication ceremony. Board of Trustees Chairman Nancy Bean, Bethel President Dr. Perry Moulds, and Butler each spoke during the brief ceremony.

Nancy Bean, Chairperson of the Bethel University Board of Trustees, stated “So why did the Board of Trustees decide to honor Dr. Butler with the name of the stadium. First of all, his history at Bethel; he has two degrees from Bethel in addition to the doctorate that he was awarded. He has family members who have degrees from Bethel.

“He left Bethel for 25 years to be a public servant. But when he came back to Bethel for roughly the next 25 years. He used that public service information and experience to do remarkable things at Bethel. He served as the director of business affairs, then vice president of criminal justice, executive vice president, and the College of Arts and Sciences along with being named interim president and then president.

“Dr. Butler had his hand in everything you see. But you can’t even see all the campus from here. You can hardly find a building that Bethel owns anywhere in this town that Dr. Butler didn’t have a role in procuring, building, or improving. Not only was he closely involved in the physical aspects of the building, he was instrumental in bringing Bethel into the world of adult education and online programming.”

Current Bethel President, Dr. Perry Moulds stated, “This is a celebration not only, of Dr. Butler and his incredible accomplishments but also the wonderful accomplishments of the people who have made this university what it is today and that includes, as much as anybody, all of you as students...

“And I will tell you that nobody embodies what it means to be a Bethel person more than Dr. Walter Butler. When you come into a job like mine, you have a lot to learn, and if you’re really lucky, you can find people who want to help guide you along the way. I can tell you that Dr. Butler has not only meant so much to this university professionally, but I have also personally experienced how much he means as an individual and a person.

He embodies the quality of character that it means to be a person of Bethel that we can all try to emulate.”

Dr. Walter Butler concluded the event by saying, “There’s no way I can ever thank the Bethel University for this honor. Listen, never in my wildest dreams did I think I have a football stadium to put my name on it, but there’s nobody any prouder than me for having that. And I promise you. And I will be at your games as long as I’m ever able.

“I wanna thank a few groups and I’ll get out of your way. First, I’ve been very fortunate over my lifetime at Bethel to work with some of the best board of trustee members you can ever hope to work with. They challenged me. I hope I challenged them... Secondly, I want to thank our faculty and staff. Folks, you have no idea how good of a faculty and staff this university has. Three sons, two of them are here that graduated from Bethel, would not be as successful and have such a good life if it wasn’t for the faculty and staff.

“Third group, I have been very fortunate in my life at Bethel University to work with two great presidents. Bill Odom, who was here when I first came to Bethel years ago, became a lifelong friend after those three years with Bethel. Secondly, Bob Prosser, who I worked with one on one for about 10 or 11 years. Great individual, great dreamer.

“Number four, I want to thank you the students. I have the best part of being president is to get around and work with students, to walk across campus and see you during the day, see you at night at events or ball games or music events it has been great.

“Finally I want to thank two other groups. My wife and family. I’ve got a lot of family here today. They have let me go about and do this. I cannot thank them enough. And finally, I would be remiss if I didn’t thank our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, our father in heaven, the Holy Spirit for their guidance. Thank you so much.”

Chaplain Anne Hames concluded the ceremony with a prayer.