Trustee Emeritus O. L. "Butch" Everett has supported many notable projects, playing a major role in growing, reshaping, and further enhancing the University’s intercollegiate athletics program and campus community.
Everett served as a member of the President's Advisory Council prior to his election to the Board of Trustees in 1999. From 2010 to 2013, he served with distinction as Chairman of the Board of Trustees. Everett continued his service to the University by participating on a number of committees that were critical to the successful achievement of the goals articulated in the University’s strategic plan. He was bestowed the designation of Trustee Emeritus in the spring of 2019, after 20 years of service to the VWU Board of Trustees.
In 2012, the Everett Tennis Center opened, providing a new home for the men's and women's tennis teams, as well as a new space to be enjoyed by the entire campus community. Named for the Trustee Emeritus and his wife, Carol, the new tennis center contains eight courts, including two championship courts and two lighted grandstand courts. The Center also features spectator-friendly fencing, lighted grandstand courts, a welcome gazebo, a viewing stand, and a brick facade entrance. Along with the lead gift to fund the tennis center, the Everetts created an endowment to fund future needs of the Center. It is their devotion and foresight that has enabled the University to support the ongoing needs of the tennis programs and the facility, such as the recent resurfacing of the courts.
In 2016, Everett made the lead gift commitment to establish the University’s men’s and women’s swimming programs. The programs first competed in the NCAA Division III and Old Dominion Athletic Conference in the fall of 2017, utilizing the Natatorium in the Jane P. Batten Student Center. Virginia Wesleyan is grateful for Butch Everett’s significant contributions, vision, and support of intercollegiate athletics at Virginia Wesleyan University.
