El Dorado Community News
El Dorado’s Mike Helmer Takes Over as New Butler Athletic Director
Butler Community College has promoted longtime women’s basketball coach Mike Helmer to serve as Director of Athletics. Helmer, who recently completed his 17th season leading the Grizzlies, will coach the women’s team for one more year while also overseeing the athletic department.
“Mike brings a strong background in leadership, communication, and community connections that will be an asset as we move forward,” said Bill Rinkenbaugh, Vice President of Student Services.
Helmer said he is “truly honored to be the next Athletic Director at Butler” and eager to continue the college’s tradition of excellence.
El Dorado's Nkrumbih Receives Butler Foundation Scholarship
A recipient of the Jerry Richards & Judith McClure Scholarship, Aysha Nkrumbih is passionately blazing her own trail as she earns her associate degree in Pre-Physical Therapy in hopes of one day becoming a physical therapist and opening up her own gym. “This scholarship gives me the opportunity to further my education and become a first generation graduate," she said. "Physical therapy taught me that no matter how tough things might seem in the moment, it will always get better as long as you persevere."
Butler’s BCTV Broadcasts Circle High School Football Game
Butler’s student-run BCTV production team broadcast the October 10 Game of the Week between the Circle Thunderbirds and the Rose Hill Rockets.
El Dorado Main Street Hosts Presidential Meet & Greet at Coutts Museum of Art
On August 14, El Dorado Main Street and the El Dorado Chamber of Commerce hosted a community meet & greet for our new president, Dr. Tamara Daniel, at the Coutts Museum of Art. It takes great support and collaboration to help drive forward our community, and we are thankful for all the ways these organizations have welcomed Dr. Daniel to Butler County and El Dorado!
Calling All El Dorado 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.