Dr. Butefish joined the university’s College of Education in 1967. He served as professor of curriculum and instruction and director of student teaching before his retirement in 1995. In 1992 he received an Alumni Outstanding Teaching Award; in 1993 he was the recipient of the L. R. Hesler Award for Excellence in Teaching and Service to the university. He twice received the College of Education’s John Tunstall Award in recognition of his teaching and service.
Butefish twice served as president of the Tennessee Association of Teacher Education (1971–72; 1982–84) and as president of the Southeastern Regional Association of Teacher Educators (1980–81). In 1972 he received a Distinguished Service Award from the university’s chapter of Phi Delta Kappa. He was the author of several books and journal articles. His contributions to the intellectual life of the university have been recognized by placement of a plaque in his honor on a faculty study.