02/26/2026
Happy Black History Month! As the month comes to a close, we’re proud to spotlight one of our incredible faculty members, Professor Heather Butts, whose work bridges history, public health, leadership, and community impact.
Professor Butts holds degrees from Princeton University (B.A., History), St. John’s University School of Law (J.D.), Harvard University (M.P.H.), and Columbia University Teachers College (M.Ed.). She is an Associate Professor in the Department of Health Policy and Management at Columbia Mailman School of Public Health, where she teaches courses including Untold Stories and serves as Faculty Course Lead for the Leadership program.
Beyond the classroom, she is the co-founder of H.E.A.L.T.H for Youths, Inc., a nonprofit supporting more than 7,000 students annually through college access, public health initiatives, career preparation, financial literacy, and community programs.
A published scholar and author, her work explores African American medical history, leadership, and health policy — including books such as African American Medicine in Washington, D.C. and Healing Civil War Veterans in New York and Washington, D.C.
We’re grateful for Professor Butts’ dedication to education, equity, and inspiring the next generation of public health leaders. 💙
