17. Rev. Calvin O. Butts III, Ph.D.

One of Long Island’s most outspoken leaders and the pastor at Harlem’s famous Abyssinian Baptist Church, Rev. Calvin O. Butts, has used his position to address important issues in the black community and advocate for civil rights, social justice and economic development in New York. He’s also been the president of one of the most culturally diverse student populations in the Northeast since 1999. Butts has reinvigorated the student body, gaining funding for five new residence halls, a student union and new academic center, as well as technology enhancements for the classrooms and dorms.One of Long Island’s most outspoken leaders and the pastor at Harlem’s famous Abyssinian Baptist Church, Rev. Calvin O. Butts, has used his position to address important issues in the black community and advocate for civil rights, social justice and economic development in New York. He’s also been the president of one of the most culturally diverse student populations in the Northeast since 1999. Butts has reinvigorated the student body, gaining funding for five new residence halls, a student union and new academic center, as well as technology enhancements for the classrooms and dorms.