Faculty Spotlight Dr. Michael Butterworth

Dr. Michael Butterworth is more than just a professor, he’s a leader at the intersection of sports, politics, and culture. As Director of the Center for

 Sports Communication & Media at UT Austin, he leads the charge in exploring how sports influence democratic life, national identity, and public memory. Whether he's in the classroom, writing scholarly work, or guiding the Center’s ever-expanding contributions, Dr. Butterworth is all about asking big questions and sparking meaningful conversations.

From Speech Team to Sports Scholar

Growing up in towns across Michigan, California, Arizona, and Illinois, Dr. Butterworth’s path was anything but predictable. Originally a Political Science major at Northern Illinois University, he didn’t plan on a career in communication, until he joined the Speech Team.

“Competing in speech introduced me to Communication as a field,” he recalls. That twist of fate led to a master’s degree, teaching experience in the Chicago suburbs, and eventually a PhD from Indiana University, where he began exploring the powerful relationship between sports and politics.

Highlights and Hurdles

Some of Dr. Butterworth’s fondest academic memories? Winning the Illinois State Championship in Oratory his senior year of undergrad, a huge feat in the competitive world of collegiate speech. He also vividly remembers the historical moment of the Berlin Wall’s fall, a seismic shift for someone deeply immersed in Cold War studies.

Graduate school brought its own curveballs. During one especially chaotic trip, he set out for job interviews in Washington, D.C., only to be halted in Pittsburgh by the infamous 1996 “Storm of the Century.” The meetings were never rescheduled, and a political career was left behind. Another major milestone? Writing most of his dissertation with his newborn daughter by his side, a memory he holds close to this day.

Leading with Purpose

Today, Dr. Butterworth’s proudest professional achievement is leading UT’s Center for Sports Communication & Media. Since joining UT in 2017, he’s helped grow the center into a vibrant hub for curriculum, research, and events. “It allows me to continue academic work while also leading something that has real impact,” he says.

Fun Facts & Favorites

📍 Hometown Roots: Born in Kalamazoo, Michigan
🍽 Foodie Favorites in Austin: La Barbecue, Mi Madre’s, The Salty Sow, Mozart’s, and Steiner Ranch Steakhouse
🎷 Best Night Out: Parker Jazz Club
⚽ Sports Fan Spots: DKR and Q2 Stadium
🏡 UT Tenure: This is the longest he’s ever lived in one place—eight years and counting!
✈️ Dream Destination: Italy

Words of Wisdom

Looking back, Dr. Butterworth wishes he’d spent more time living in the moment: 

“I’m often focused on whatever challenge is next. I’d encourage myself to live in the present as much as possible.”

And if there’s one thing he’d like you to know? 

“Let’s go Cubs!”