Sep 07, 2025  
Butler University Bulletin 2025-2026 
    
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Butler University Bulletin 2025-2026

Founder’s College

Administration
Carolyn Gentle-Genitty, Ph.D. Dean; Rob Williford, Associate Dean for Student Affairs; Stephanie Fernhaber, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs; Donneisha Baker, Associate Director of Admissions; Abby Martin, Social Worker and Library Assistant; Morgan McCombs, Associate Director of Financial Aid; Victoria Petersen Elia, Associate Director of Career Services and External Relations; Sara Venecek, Administrative Assistant to the Dean

Faculty
Adrianna Ernstberger; Alex McGrath; Bria Young

 

College Website
https://www.butler.edu/founders/

Mission and Vision Statement

Through Founder’s College, Butler University will embrace and operationalize its founding mission to serve those historically excluded from the promise of higher education. Our students’ participation in the intellectual, social, and cultural life of the campus will contribute to the enrichment and transformation of the Butler campus, Butler-Tarkington neighborhood, and the greater Indianapolis community. 

Butler Values

  • Excellence
  • Equity
  • Transformation
  • Collaboration
  • Integrity 

Founder’s College Commitments

  • Diversity, defined and embraced broadly    
  • Equity and inclusion  
  • Holistic student support   
  • Learner-defined achievement  
  • Student-led  
  • Reconciliation and accountability  
  • Growth mindset  
  • Community engagement 

Introducing Founder’s College in Fall 2025


At Founder’s College, we strive to be the beacon of hope and opportunity for students who may otherwise not see college as a place for them. As the 7th college on Butler’s campus, Founder’s College makes dreams of higher education that can seem distant or even unattainable, especially for students living in Indianapolis from low wealth backgrounds a reality. We are changing this outlook with Founders College, a -year college at Butler University!

Our Degree Programs [Each with built in industry certifications]:

  • Business Management Studies
  • Youth and Community Advocacy
  • Healthcare Studies (Practical and Clinical Tracks)
  • Business Data Analytics

Our mission is rooted in equity and excellence delivered in community with others. Our intentional development of the college has built-in holistic supports to reduce the chances of life getting in the way. We’ve done so by implementing they following:

Affordability

Founder’s College students will be able to graduate with little to no debt. We understand that tuition is not the only financial cost associated with attending college. That’s why we will package all related costs in one financial plan. Books, instructional materials, a laptop, a meal each day, and transportation will all be part of the financial package.

Founder’s students commute to campus, eliminating campus housing costs.

Whole Student Support

As a Founder’s College student, you’ll have a dedicated advisor to make sure you get the support you need to reach your academic, career, and personal goals. Your advisor is there to take the mystery out of college and help you get easy access to all the tools Butler has to offer, from labs to libraries to internships.

Career coaching and employment support are key parts of the educational terrain at Founder’s College. Students will take classes focused on career development and will participate in paid internships to gain valuable workplace experience.

Designed for Real Life

We know students have commitments outside of the classroom, like work and family obligations. Founder’s College will offer morning or afternoon “block” schedules that will be consistent over the two years. We’ll work with you to find an academic path that fits your goals with a schedule that fits your life.

Four-Year Degree Pathways

Rooted in Butler’s core liberal arts curriculum, students will dive into industry-aligned fields in business, data analytics, health, and youth development, resulting in an associate degree ripe with employment potential-or a seamless pathway to a four-year bachelor’s degree at Butler. 

The Bulldog Community

At Founder’s College, you’ll quickly become part of the greater Bulldog family and get the full college experience, with dedicated professors, opportunities to participate in student organizations, outstanding facilities, extensive career services, and more.


Do you have a Central Indiana student to nominate?

https://www.butler.edu/founders/nominate-a-prospective-student/

 

  

Programs

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