Augusta Community News
Featured Story
Butler and Augusta Schools Announce New CyberIT Education Pathway
Butler and Augusta Public Schools have launched a new CyberIT education pathway that looks to prepare all Butler County high school students for high-wage careers in IT and cybersecurity. Taught by Butler instructors, the pathway will offer industry-recognized credentials to support immediate workforce entry. “Our goal is to ensure students leave prepared for what comes next,” said Augusta Superintendent Matt Ward, “whether that path leads to college, the workforce, or both.”
Student Spotlight
Inspired by Kindness, Augusta's Ashenfelter Looks Forward to a Career of Caregiving
Megan Ashenfelter of Augusta is turning a childhood experience into a career of compassion, earning the Chuck & Deann Korte Presidential Scholarship as she pursues a degree in nursing science. Inspired by a pediatric nurse who helped her through a third-grade broken arm, Megan aims to provide the same reassurance to others. She plans to attend the police academy, giving her a backup career while keeping patient care at the center of her ambitions. “I want to be that source of comfort for someone else,” she said.
Scholarship Window Open for 2026-2027
Students with a valid Butler email address can complete a scholarship application by clicking this link https://butlercc.academicworks.com/users/sign_in or by visiting the Butler Foundation scholarship page at butlerccfoundation.org.
Butler in Your Community
White Eagle CEO Eric Brown Joins Butler Board of Trustees
White Eagle Credit Union CEO Eric Brown was officially sworn in as a member of the Butler Board of Trustees on January 13, 2026. A Butler alum, Brown says his experience so far has been a positive one. "My experience has been terrific," said Brown. "Everyone has been very kind and welcoming."
Brown said he has also thoroughly enjoyed seeing the work of Butler's faculty and staff up close. "What has impressed me the most is the love and the passion every person has for their job and for the college. The support and respect they show each other is awesome. Everyone genuinely cares about each other as people—not just co-workers."
Butler News
Dr. Marc Malone Named Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs
Dr. Marc Malone has been named Butler's Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs. He recently served as Vice President for Instructional Services and Chief Academic Officer at Garden City Community College, where he oversaw instruction, workforce development and accreditation.
“I am honored to join Butler Community College and will work to support and continue the tradition of excellence at Butler,” said Malone. “I’ve always been committed to fostering environments that support people, certainly our students, faculty, and staff, but also our industry partners and the health and well-being of communities across Butler County, our region, and our state.”
U.S. Senator (and Grizzly Alum) Roger Marshall Visits Butler to Announce New Cyber Security Collaboration
Senator Roger Marshall visited Butler’s Andover campus to announce that Kansas Community Colleges and the Kansas National Guard have established a partnership to develop the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. The partnership represents a collaborative effort to quickly expand career pathways in one of the nation’s fastest-growing fields.
“Kansas is ready to lead the nation in cybersecurity, and this partnership makes it possible,” said Senator Marshall. “By connecting our community colleges with the Kansas National Guard, we are creating real pathways for Kansans to gain the skills our state and country need, while building careers in one of the fastest-growing and most critical fields in America.”
On the Calendar
Butler to Host Scouting America Camp This Summer
Butler is partnering with Scouting America to host a special day camp this summer July 29-31. Middle and high school aged boys and girls from around the region will visit our El Dorado and Andover campuses to participate in hands-on learning activities led by Butler faculty, earn a variety of merit badges and get a taste of the collegiate experience!
Contact Butler Associate Vice President of Research and Effectiveness Dr. Aidan Dunleavy for more information.
Elevate Your Drone Pilot Skills at Butler
Join us June 22–26 in El Dorado for a one-week course to earn your FAA Remote Pilot Certificate. Master airspace rules, safety procedures, and flight operations through hands-on experience using your drone or ours. This class is ideal for those working in construction, real estate, or agriculture.
Know What's Next: Sign up for our Career and Workforce Education emails to get updates on new certifications, in-demand classes and workshops designed to keep you competitive, connected and moving forward.
Join Us For the 2026 Grizzly Parade!
The Grizzly Gold Parade returns August 22 at 10 a.m. One of our favorite events all year in El Dorado, the parade signals the start of a new school year—and this year, it also kicks off our Centennial celebration! For more information, or to submit your own idea for a float, contact Aletra Chaney-Profit at achaneyprofi@butlercc.edu.
Our Centennial
What Makes Butler "More Than a Place" To You?
We want to hear your answers to this question, which will be shared on social media throughout our year-long centennial celebration starting this fall. Share your story by emailing centennial@butlercc.edu.
Stay Informed
From student success stories and program highlights to community events and exciting industry partnerships, our news page brings you the stories shaping Butler today.