EHA Alumna Wins Prestigious Award

Monday, April 2, 2018

Dr. Stacey Ford Butterfield has received Pi Beta Phi® Fraternity for Women’s prestigious Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg Crest Award in honor of her professional achievements. Stacey serves as Superintendent to one of Oklahoma’s largest and most well-known school districts, Jenks Public Schools.

The Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg Crest Award is presented annually to distinguished alumnae of Pi Beta Phi who exhibit excellence and outstanding leadership in their career or volunteer service to their communities. The award is named for past Pi Beta Phi President Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg, who was instrumental in forming Pi Beta Phi Foundation during her term from 1985 to 1991. Essential Fraternity initiatives, like leadership development programs and literacy, are supported through the stewardship of the Foundation.

Stacey began her career as an elementary school teacher. Her inspired goal-setting combined with her astute leadership and dogged determination helped her become one of only a few female superintendents in the state of Oklahoma.

Admired by students, staff and the community, Stacey has expertly sailed the bumpy waves of state educational underfunding and the parental and teacher discord it has caused. Her success in encouraging sustainable programming and community harmony is well documented. She is also known for her sensitivity and focus around the needs of her diverse student population, which has helped make her district a leader in literacy and cultural awareness initiatives.

Stacey has been recognized for her leadership and contribution to education, recently being named one of Tulsa Business Journal’s Women of Distinction and one of Oklahoma Journal Record’s 50 Making a Difference.

She is an active community volunteer for groups such as Leadership Tulsa, the Oklahoma Board of Directors for Junior Achievement and Tulsa Court Appointed Special Advocates, among others.

Stacey holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Oklahoma State University. She also earned a doctorate of education in educational leadership and policy studies from the University of Oklahoma.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to represent women around the world who are pursuing their passions and striving to positively influence their communities,” Stacey said. “I am most proud of my relentless pursuit of lifelong learning opportunities. My career has been devoted to collaborating with colleagues to shape students and their educational experiences.”