COMMUNITY
CONNECTION News from Butler Community College | Fall 2025
Introducing ... Dr. Tamara Daniel Dr. Tamara Daniel President Dr. Barry Robinson Vice President of Academics Bill Rinkenbaugh Vice President of Student Services Tom Borrego Vice President of Advancement/ Special Asst. to the President Kent Williams Vice President of Finance Christina Byram Vice President of Digital Transformation / CIO Dr. Jessica Ohman Associate Vice President of Student Services Dr. Aidan Dunleavy, CMA Associate Vice President of Research & Institutional Effectiveness Shelley Stultz Associate Vice President of Human Resources Kamielle Freeman Professor and President, Butler Community College Education Association Kelly Snedden Director of College Relations & Marketing
OUR MISSION
Butler Community College inspires and prepares students for lifetime success through inclusive, innovative, affordable, quality education while advancing community vitality.
In her first days at Butler Community College, Dr. Tamara Daniel could be found diving into the work of connecting campus and community. Now, as Butler’s new president, she shares her thoughts on how Butler transforms students, families, and the region itself. For me, higher education has always been about more than earning a degree. It’s about transformation—helping students discover their strengths, grow in confidence and move forward ready to thrive. That’s why I feel so honored to serve as the president of Butler Community College. Because Butler is a place where this transformation happens every day.
From the moment I arrived, I knew I wanted to connect not just with our campuses, but with our greater community. That’s why in these first few months I’ve joined the Workforce Alliance of South Central Kansas, the Wichita and El Dorado Chambers of Commerce and the El Dorado Rotary Club. I believe colleges are at their strongest when they’re deeply rooted in the communities they serve, and Butler is such a vital part of this region. My approach to leadership is based on three simple beliefs: • People are our greatest asset. This includes our students, faculty, staff and the many individuals who support Butler behind the scenes. It also includes our Board of Trustees who help shape our vision and the community partners who invest in our mission. • Culture is our foundation. I believe in a culture that values respect, inclusion, growth and a shared commitment to excellence. • Numbers bring focus to our vision. I believe in setting bold goals, tracking what matters, and using numbers to continuously improve and provide the best possible experience to our students. Most importantly, I believe student success changes everything. When students succeed, families are stronger, businesses flourish and entire communities move forward. Before coming to Butler, I served as Provost and Vice Chancellor at Arkansas State University–Mountain Home, where I saw firsthand the incredible power community colleges have to change lives. I carry that same belief here: futures start at Butler thanks to a focus on personalized learning, innovative programs and a caring educational community. As we look ahead to Butler’s centennial in 2027, I’m excited about our history and our future. I’m excited that our timeless institutional values of Quality, Integrity, Service and Caring aren’t just words. They are how we live, teach and lead every single day. At Butler, we don’t just educate. We empower. We don’t just enroll. We engage.
Go Grizzlies! Dr. Tamara Daniel