Lakesha M Butler, Pharm.D.

Dr. Butler serves as a clinical professor within the Department of Pharmacotherapy and Translational Research at the University of Florida’s College of Pharmacy. Prior to joining UF, Dr. Butler was the director of diversity, equity and inclusion and a clinical professor of pharmacy practice at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.

Dr. Butler’s collaborative leadership and impact span broadly at the institutional level, nationally and in the community. She has published numerous peer-reviewed articles, presented nationally at numerous conferences and keynote address invitations, and has been nationally recognized for her work as the 2022 Becker’s Hospital Review top 40 health system diversity and inclusion executives to know. Her professional and research interests include health equity, social drivers of health, cultural humility, under-resourced communities, emotional intelligence and leadership development. Her personal brand statement is “I use my innovative strategies, courageous influence, compassionate heart and effective communication to serve, lead, educate and inspire others to develop, transform and succeed.”

Dr. Butler received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Mercer University and completed a pharmacy practice residency at the University of Illinois at Chicago. She has received extensive training in the areas of culture, belonging and inclusive excellence.