After graduation, Butler T. Henderson became a college professor. As a professor, he taught at Arkansas AM and N College. During his tenure at Arkansas AM and N College, Henderson was instrumental in chartering the Tau Sigma Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity at the school. In 1960 Butler T. Henderson became the assistant to the president of Morehouse College, Dr. Benjamin Mays. He held that position until 1968 when he became associate director of the United Board for College Development. From 1970 to 1972 he was with the United Negro College Fund. Butler T Henderson later became an official of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund and served for 18 years in that capacity.