Childree and Butler Appointed to New Roles

President-Elect Anthony Leigh announced today the appointment of two veteran staff members to serve new roles in his administration. Effective July 1, Dr. Kathleen Penney Childree ’15 will assume the role of Vice President for Student Development and Dean of Students. Huntingdon Chaplain Rhett Butler ’13 will begin serving as the Dean of the Chapel. 

Dr. Childree currently serves as the Assistant Dean of Students for Residential Communities and Community Standards. The Madison, Alabama, native has been employed by the College since her graduation from Huntingdon in 2015 including service in the business office, academic affairs, student activities, and college relations. She has a doctorate in higher education administration from the University of Alabama, and a master’s degree in clinical psychology from Auburn University-Montgomery. As a student at Huntingdon, she was president of her sorority, a member of the women’s soccer team, and was active in several academic honor societies. She is married to Graham Childree ’18, who serves as Huntingdon’s Director of Communication, Print, Mail, and Technology Services.

“From the day she arrived as a student through the number of roles she has served at Huntingdon, Dr. Kathleen Childree has demonstrated tremendous leadership talent, organizational abilities, and a genuine love of the Huntingdon experience,” stated Dr. Leigh. “For the last three years, she has been an integral part of my work as Dean of Students, and I have full confidence in her ability to lead the team in student development and to effectively serve our student body. She shares my student-centered spirit and we will continue to work very well together in our new roles to help students maximize their time at Huntingdon.”

“The Huntingdon experience is so special and it is an absolute honor to be able to support students during this pivotal time in their lives,” commented Dr. Childree. “Higher Education is greatly enhanced by the work outside of the classroom. I am grateful to work with a team that fosters critical thinking, encourages academic growth, and empowers students to make meaningful contributions to society.”

Reverend Rhett Butler is originally from Eclectic, Alabama, and he returned to Huntingdon in 2017 to serve the College as Chaplain. He completed his Master of Divinity degree from Duke Divinity School, and he serves as an Elder in the United Methodist Church. For the past seven years, he has effectively shepherded the campus ministry program at Huntingdon, conducted weekly communion and worship services, and coordinated weekly bible studies and worship team activities. As a Huntingdon student, Chaplain Butler was actively involved in campus ministries, he interned in local churches, and was a leader of his fraternity at Huntingdon. He is married to Rev. Heather Jones Butler ’14 and they have two kids who love Huntingdon, Jonah and Annie.  

“Chaplain Butler is a trusted advisor to me and for all Huntingdon students,” commented Dr. Leigh. “Regardless of where a student is on their faith journey or their faith background, he has shown a unique ability to connect with them. Chaplain Butler has demonstrated strength in the classroom teaching introductory religion courses and he is passionate about serving our students from all walks of life. He genuinely cares for Huntingdon students, and I have witnessed his pastoral talents in serving our students for several years. By elevating him to Dean of the Chapel and a member of my cabinet, I want every member of our college community to know that the spiritual formation and congregational care of our students is important to the College.”

Chaplain Butler remarked, “Huntingdon is the place that I discerned my calling into ministry and began my journey in the United Methodist Church. It’s a great honor that I get to walk alongside our students and help them grow in faith as they discern their callings, just as the wonderful faculty and staff did for me as a student. I’m thrilled to continue doing good, lasting work in our student’s lives.” 

Huntingdon College, in accordance with Title IX and Section 106.8 of the 2020 Final Rule under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, other applicable federal and state law, and stated College policy, prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex. Similarly, it prohibits discrimination on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, religion, age and/or national origin in its education program or activity, including admission and employment. For more information, see www.huntingdon.edu/misconduct.