Michael Butler

Michael Butler is the Kenan Distinguished Professor of History and Chair of the Humanities Department at Flagler College. He holds a B.A. from Spring Hill College, and M.A. and Ph.D. in History from the University of Mississippi, specializing in 20th-century Southern History with an emphasis on the Civil Rights Movement. His research focuses on topics such as African-American history, the Civil Rights movement, and Southern cultural history.

He has authored two books: Beyond Integration: The Black Freedom Struggle in Escambia County, Florida, 1960-1980 (2016) and Victory After the Fall: The Memories of Civil Rights Activist H. K. Matthews. His work has been published in journals such as the Journal of Southern History, Florida Historical Quarterly, and Southern Cultures.

Professor Butler teaches courses including American History, African-American History, and the History of Rock and Roll. He has led summer study abroad programs on topics ranging from 20th-century Irish history to World War II. Previously, he taught at South Georgia College and Northwest Mississippi Community College.

His awards include the Kenan Distinguished Professor title and the President’s Scholar honor from Spring Hill College. He has also authored over 40 book reviews and encyclopedia entries for academic journals.