Meeting Students Where They Are With Dr. Tamara Daniel

When Dr. Tamara Daniel stepped into her role as president of Butler Community College, her priority was clear.

“One of the first things that needed attention was transparency with the community about what we were doing and about our responsibility to Kansas taxpayers,” Daniel said.

“I am used to having an open and transparent relationship regarding what is happening at the college and how we are exercising due diligence with taxpayer dollars.”

For Daniel, transparency is closely connected to telling Butler’s story more intentionally- especially when it comes to students. “You can remain a faculty member and talk about barriers, or you can step into administration and help remove them,” she said. “I want more of our story presented to the community,” she said.

“I want our students highlighted more.”

Her early faculty roles at Coastal Carolina Community College and Southwest Community College solidified her calling and deepened her passion for working with students. Eventually, Daniel moved into administration after recognizing that many of the barriers students face extend beyond the classroom.

Daniel is driven by a desire to help students reach their full potential.

“At Butler Community College, we are tasked with helping each and every student get to a point where they can do better
in life,” she said.

“We want them to have a better job, a better income and enjoy what they are doing. I have a deep passion for that, and I value being in a position where I can help make those outcomes and goals possible.” 

Today, Daniel sees new challenges facing community college students, particularly the overwhelming number of choices available.

“Students have more options than they used to,” she said.

“You can come in with several interests and end up moving between programs. That can cost both time and money.”

She encourages students to think intentionally about careers, not just majors.

 “It is important to be prepared and have a sense of direction.” Despite these challenges, Daniel believes Butler stands out because of its strong sense of community and comprehensive programming.

“We truly are a family environment,” she said.

“Our faculty and staff think of ourselves as the Butler family. We wrap our arms around our students and treat them like family members. We want them to feel that warmth and care Programs such as the Early College Academy, nursing partnerships and the success of Butler athletics reflect that commitment to excellence. “I cannot say enough about our instructors,” Daniel said.

“They go the extra mile because they care about helping students connect the dots on their pathway to success.”

She also encourages students to embrace lifelong learning.

“Our mission is to educate and elevate students and help them achieve their goals,” Daniel said. “From the time you enroll until the time you complete that goal, it is our job to be accessible and ready to help remove all of the barriers so you can better succeed.”

“The foundation students are building right now prepares them for an entire career of learning,” Daniel said.

“Make that passion part of who you are. Ask questions. Learn why. Stay curious. Carry that mindset throughout your life and share it with those around you.”

As Butler continues to grow and evolve, Daniel wants one principle to remain at the forefront.

“It is not our goals. It is the students’ goals,” she said.

“Our job is to help them achieve and accomplish those goals.”

Butler banner outside BG Products Veterans Stadium. (Photo credit Isaac Rich)