Dr. Karen Butler-Purry is a Raytheon Company Professor in the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department and Associate Provost for Graduate and Professional Studies Emerita at Texas A&M University.
Dr. Butler-Purry’s research interests are in the areas of modeling and simulation, protection and control of electric power distribution systems and isolated power systems, such as all-electric power systems for ships, smart grids, and electric microgrids, cybersecurity protection, intelligent systems for power system equipment deterioration and fault diagnosis, and engineering education. She is a registered professional engineer in the states of LA, TX, and MS. Dr. Butler-Purry developed a successful research program and has supervised and funded over 50 graduate and 80 undergraduate research students. Additionally, she has led several fellowship and education projects that promote the recruitment, retention, and advancement of pre-college, college, and graduate students, as well as faculty, in STEM fields, particularly individuals from historically underrepresented populations.
Dr. Butler-Purry has vast experience as an administrator and program leader at Texas A&M. From 2001-2004, she served as Assistant Dean for Graduate Programs in the College of Engineering, served as Associate Department Head in the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department from 2008-2010, and served as Associate Provost for Graduate and Professional Studies from 2010 through 2020 and then in the expanded role of Associate Provost and Dean of the Graduate and Professional School through August 2022. In addition, she served as Interim Vice President for Research from 2017-2018.
Dr. Butler-Purry received the National Science Foundation Faculty Career Award (1995) and the Office of Naval Research Young Investigator Award (1999). Dr. Butler-Purry has received numerous teaching and mentoring awards, including a 2024 Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring and the 2005 American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Mentor Award. She was elevated to the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Fellow status in 2018. Further, in 2021, Dr. Butler-Purry received the Council of Graduate Schools Debra Stewart Award for Outstanding Leadership in Graduate Education.