Homelessness is not only found in large cities.
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Tamara Daniel’s first day at Butler CC was on Monday, June 23. She chose the college because it is both a personal and professional fit for her. Her daughter lives in Lindsborg, and she and her husband love Kansas. She says that professionally, Butler is a comprehensive community college, something she is deeply passionate about.
Photo provided by the Marketing Department
Daniel has spent her career in institutions that prepare students both for immediate employment and for university transfer. Whether a student is looking to enter the workforce or continue their education, Butler is well positioned to meet that need.
“My vision centers around people, culture and numbers,” Daniel said. “We will build a healthy, collaborative culture where employees feel valued and students are supported. We will lean into data to guide smart decisions and track our progress. We will also grow our impact through deeper workforce and industry partnerships, ensuring Butler remains a vital contributor to the local economy and community well-being.”
Student success, according to Daniel, means helping each student reach their goals, whether that is completing a certificate, earning a degree or transferring to a university. It also means connecting them to purpose-driven careers. Daniel will help Butler CC improve success by focusing on belonging, academic excellence and timely support. This includes using data to identify barriers early and partnering across the college to ensure students stay on track, she adds.
“Butler’s greatest strengths are its people and its mission,” Daniel said. “The faculty and staff are deeply committed, and the college has strong foundations in both academic transfer and career and technical education. In terms of improvement, I believe we can enhance the student experience by streamlining processes, improving communication, and becoming even more data-informed in our decision making.”
Connection starts with listening. Daniel plans to spend time visiting with students, attending campus events and holding informal gatherings to hear what is working and what needs attention. She is planning on engaging with local businesses, school leaders and community partners to explore how Butler can continue to add value. She wants people to feel that Butler is a college that belongs to them.
“I am honored to serve as Butler’s president,” Daniel said. “This is a college with a proud history and a bright future. Together with our students, employees, and community, I believe we can do great things.”
