Dr. William Neher '66
Butler Service Medal, 2002
Dr. William Neher '66 is a professor of speech at Butler
University, formerly serving as the department's chairman for eight
years. He also served for several years as the Dean of University
College, leading the development of the Change and Tradition
humanities course sequence required of all sophomore students. In
addition, he has authored several books on speech communication,
organizational communication and African studies, a subject he has
taught for over twenty years. He has been named Butler's
Outstanding Professor twice during his teaching career.
Dr. Neher also has served as the director of the honors program.
Currently, he is the past chair of the Faculty Assembly and serves
on the university's cabinet. He chairs the Teaching and Learning
Strategy and Policy Team.
He has served as a consultant and trainer in presentational
speaking for, among others, AT&T, PSI Energy, Indianapolis
Power and Light Co., the City of Indianapolis and the State of
Indiana Department of Public Instruction.
Dr. Neher graduated from Butler in 1966 earning a Bachelor's
degree in history. He went on to Northwestern University were he
earned an M.A. in 1967 and his Ph.D. in 1970.
He is a member of Sigma Chi fraternity (former social chairman,
corresponding secretary and president). As a student, he was a
member of the Campus Christian Fellowship, Delta Sigma Rho-Tau
Kappa Alpha (Midwest president), varsity debate team, YMCA, Young
Republicans, Phi Eta Sigma (vice-president), Utes, Sphinx and Blue
Key. He was also voted junior class treasurer, senior class vice
president and Most Outstanding Male Student.
Dr. Neher is a member of the Ovid Butler Society.
Updated 2002