Augusta Community News
Augusta's Geier Continues Butler Streak at KCLEA
Butler Community College Criminal Justice student Kathryn Geier was one of seven college students from across the state invited to participate in the 2025 Kansas Collegiate Law Enforcement Academy, hosted by the Kansas Highway Patrol. This marked the seventeenth consecutive year that at least one Butler student completed the Academy.
Augusta’s Strohm Receives Butler Foundation Scholarship
A recipient of the Mary Lou & Howard Russell Memorial Scholarship, Ella Strohm of Augusta is earning her associate degree in Elementary Education at Butler with the goal of one day becoming an elementary school teacher. But that wasn't always her desired path. "My mom is a 3rd grade teacher and watching her do her job convinced me that I did not want it," she said. "However, when I went to job shadow in a classroom, I could see the joy in [the kid's] eyes and even in the teacher's eyes. At that moment, I made up my mind and knew I wanted to spend my days teaching."
Leon Native is Lighting Up the Welding World
At just 18 years old, Barrett Pirtle has already landed a six-figure job in a competitive industry—all thanks to a welding hood and a relentless drive. Now a graduate of Butler’s Early College Academy, Pirtle’s journey kicked off with a spark. Drawn to welding for its artistic precision, he finds solace in the silence beneath the hood. “All I think about is keeping that electrode steady and constant,” he said.
Entering his first-ever competition at Heartland Welding Academy earlier this year, Pirtle had low expectations. Nonetheless, he walked out a champion, clutching an $18,500 prize. “I had very little faith in myself,” he admitted. “But I ended up coming out with a 1st place win.”
Augusta’s White Eagle Credit Union Hosts Meet & Greet for Butler President
Thank you to Augusta’s White Eagle Credit Union for sponsoring and hosting a Meet & Greet for our new president, Dr. Tamara Daniel, at the Redler Institute of Culinary Arts in Andover. Dr. Daniel enjoyed connecting with community leaders like White Eagle Credit Union CEO and Butler alum Eric Brown and representatives from local public school offices and chambers of commerce.
It’s always wonderful and inspiring to see how Butler ties run deep in our community!
Butler’s BCTV Broadcasts Augusta Orioles Football Game vs. Mulvane
BCTV, Butler’s student-run video production team, traveled to Hollier Stadium last month to broadcast the White Eagle Credit Union Game of the Week between the Mulvane Wildcats and your Augusta Orioles.
Calling All Augusta Grizzlies!
President Emeritus Dr. Jackie Vietti invites you to be part of the celebrations for Butler’s upcoming centennial. Watch the following video and start sharing your stories through words, pictures, videos or memorabilia by emailing centennial@butlercc.edu.
Butler President Dr. Tamara Daniel Preaches Importance of People, Culture and Numbers in First 100 Days
In her first 100 days as president of Butler Community College, Dr. Tamara Daniel could be found diving into the work of connecting campus and community. Now, 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 El Dorado Chamber of Commerce and my local 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.
-Dr. Tamara Daniel
Butler Named Top Community College by Education Insider
Butler Community College was recently named a Top Community College for 2025 by Education Insider Magazine, a national periodical which covers higher education. As part of the recognition, Butler will be featured in two upcoming issues of the print magazine.
Butler to Host Farmer and Rancher Conference This Fall
Butler of El Dorado will host Kansas State University’s Beginning Farmer and Rancher Conference this November 19. The free conference is designed to equip students, young producers, and new entrants to agriculture with the tools needed to build successful, sustainable careers in farming.
Floor Installation Boot Camp Coming in December
This 5-day, 40-hour boot camp will give you insight into the basics of floor covering while giving you the skills to establish a career in the industry or complete the perfect DIY project at home.