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The Arkansas State University Alumni Association and Student Philanthropy Council teamed up to reveal the 2021 recipients of the Emerging Young Alumni Award. This is the second year of the recognition program for Arkansas State’s young alumni, their professional accomplishments, and their engagement with the university.
Phillip Butterfield ‘12
Demario Davis ‘11
Phillip Butterfield, a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), serves as a financial consultant in the Private Client Group at Stephens Inc. He works with high-net-worth clients across the country in the areas of investment management and complex retirement planning. He also assists small and big businesses with their management of company retirement plans. He advocates the importance of building relationships on trust, through judgment and integrity. Butterfield received his Bachelor of Science degree in finance with a minor in accounting in 2012, and played quarterback for the Red Wolves football team. He continued at A-State to earn a Master of Business Administration degree two years later.
Demario Davis, a linebacker for the New Orleans Saints, was drafted by the New York Jets following his playing career at A-State, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in radio-television in 2011. One of the most consistent linebackers in the NFL, he set a career high of 125 tackles and five sacks with the Jets in 2017, and he became a member and captain of the Saints in 2018. He was named to the All-Pro Team in 2019, and he was selected by fellow NFL players to receive the Bart Starr Award in 2021 for exemplifying outstanding character.
Individuals designated as Emerging Young Alumni are those who have made significant contributions to A-State, their profession or their community. The five individuals were recognized at the Emerging Young Alumni Awards luncheon Oct. 15 at the Cooper Alumni Center. Get to know the five award recipients for 2021 through these brief profiles:
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In June, he joined the EAB Red Wolves Sports Network’s football broadcast team as an analyst. Additionally, Butterfield volunteers with several public service organizations, including Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arkansas. He and his wife Brittany ‘17, who is a former Arkansas State women’s basketball star, reside in Little Rock.
In 2013, Davis started the Devoted Dreamers Foundation, the goal of which is equipping the next generation of leaders with the tools to be successful spiritually, mentally and physically. He is a member of the Players Coalition, which strives to end social injustices and racial inequality. His first book, “The Unsuccessful Champion,” was released in 2019. He shares his faith through ministry, conferences and media appearances. Davis and his wife Tamela have four children.
Know someone who should be considered for next year’s award? Visit AStateAlumni.org and look under “groups” for nomination information. 26 1 2 – VO I C E S
