Andover Community News
Andover Mom Chooses Butler for EMT Career Path
Andover resident Amber Holeman recently enrolled in Butler Community College’s EMT program, fulfilling a longtime goal of entering emergency services. “I realized over the years that I really enjoy helping people,” Holeman said. As a married, stay-at-home mom, she now has the opportunity to pursue a career she finds both meaningful and fast-paced. Ride-alongs with local ambulance crews confirmed her decision. Holeman chose Butler for its strong reputation, convenient schedule, affordability and scholarship support. “The staff have been great,” she said. “If every college followed Butler’s example, more people would pursue higher education.”
Andover’s Shatswell Receives Butler Foundation Scholarship
A recipient of the Boyer Educational Trust Scholarship, Andover's Kirstian Shatswell is an Early College Academy student in the Health Science pathway at Butler while also finishing high school. Her dream is to one day become a nurse. “Nursing [is] a field I am deeply passionate about. I want to lend a helping hand and be the difference in people's lives," she said. "I aspire to be a nurse because of the way I feel when I help someone. It drives me."
White Eagle Credit Union Hosts Meet & Greet for Dr. Daniel
Thank you to White Eagle Credit Union for sponsoring a Meet & Greet for our new president, Dr. Daniel, at the Redler Institute of Culinary Arts. Dr. Daniel enjoyed connecting with community leaders like White Eagle Credit Union CEO and Butler alum Eric Brown and representatives from the Andover Public Schools and the Andover Chamber of Commerce.
It’s always inspiring to see how Butler ties run deep in our community!
Butler’s BCTV to Broadcast Gridiron Crosstown Showdown as Game of the Week
On October 24, 2025, Butler’s student-run BCTV will broadcast the annual Crosstown Showdown football game between the Andover Trojans and the Andover Central Jaguars.
Calling All Andover 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.