Rachel McClurg
Managing Editor
Butler Community College was recently recognized as being in the top 150 community colleges in the nation. The Aspen Institute awards one million dollars every two years to a top 10 finalist.
“It means we were selected and recognized as a community college that strives for excellence,” Vice President of Academics Lori Winningham said. “We could have submitted a package to advance to another level of recognition, but because of the number of new initiatives we are currently developing or in the beginning stages of implementation, we decided not to pursue the next level. It is certainly seen as an honor to be recognized in the top 150 community colleges in the country.”
This prize has not been awarded to Butler in the past, so this is a big honor for the community and for the most part, the staff at Butler agree that the college deserves nothing less.
“I certainly think that Butler deserves this award,” Advisor RaeAnn Williams said. “This institution genuinely cares about its students. We strive to make sure the classes and services we offer are the best fit for our students and will benefit them in the best way possible.”
With the positive feedback given from students and staff, it is no surprise that Butler has been chosen as one of the top 150 community colleges nationwide.
“My overall impressions from Butler are pretty good, it’s a great school and it has a really good atmosphere,” freshman Adia Sena said.
The atmosphere that Butler has is a recurring topic when talking to the students and staff. Whether it was the atmosphere that brought them here or made them decide to stay, it has proven to be a positive part of Butler over the years.
“I started working at Butler the summer of 1996 as a student worker, and I never left,” Manager of Secretarial Center Amy Kerschner said. “I continued my education at WSU, but kept working at BCC. I love it here. My coworkers, faculty and administration are amazing. It is truly a family atmosphere.”
One of the main factors that the Aspen Institute uses when deciding which community college will make the cut is community college excellence.
“For me as Vice President of Academics, excellence should be on the student,” Winningham said. “Every decision we make should have a focus on what is best for students. I have said since I started at Butler more than 25 years ago that the courses we deliver should be as good or better than what the student will receive at the university.”
Next, the Aspen Institute will choose the top 10 community colleges out of the recently chosen top 150. One million dollars will then be granted to the finalist in 2019.
