Q: What originally brought you to Butler Community College?
A: As a first-generation college student, I wanted to continue my education while staying close to home in Wichita. My initial goal was to pursue nursing, but I was also committed to serving my church and honoring a promise I had made to my grandfather to continue as a church musician. Butler provided the perfect opportunity to begin my college journey in an environment that was both accessible and supportive. Looking back, Butler gave me the confidence and foundation I needed to take my first steps toward a lifetime of learning, leadership, and service.
Q: Is there a faculty member, mentor, class, or experience at Butler that had a lasting impact on you?
A: One of the most influential experiences I had at Butler came when a faculty member encouraged me to join the debate team. At the time, I never imagined myself participating in debate, but that opportunity changed the trajectory of my life. Through debate, I traveled to places I otherwise would not have experienced, learned to think critically, and developed the public speaking and communication skills that would later become invaluable throughout my career and community leadership roles. The confidence I gained through that experience continues to serve me today. Another defining experience was recognizing the need for greater representation on campus. During my time at Butler, six Black women lived in the dormitories. This was monumental, as this had not happened before. This group came back to speak to Butler and share our experiences in 2014. Motivated by a desire to create community and foster inclusion, I founded and became the first president of Butler’s Black Student Union. It was an opportunity to help amplify diverse voices and create a greater sense of belonging for students of color.
Q: What are you doing today, and how did your time at Butler help shape your path?
A: Today, I am a retired executive after spending 33 years with Delta Dental of Kansas, where I served as vice president of professional relations, following nine years as a practicing dental hygienist. I later completed both an Associate of Science and a Bachelor of Science degree at WSU and have remained actively engaged in civic and community leadership. I currently serve, or have served, on numerous boards and organizations, including the Kansas Health Foundation, Equity Bank and Bancshares, and the Wichita State University Board of Trustees through an appointment by the Governor of Kansas. Throughout my career, I have sought opportunities to lead, build relationships, and create pathways for others.
Q: What does being a Butler alum mean to you?
A: The leadership journey that began at Butler continued throughout my life. The experience of founding the college’s first Black Student Union deepened my commitment to diversity, inclusion, and community engagement. That passion led to several historic milestones, including becoming the first Black dental hygienist in Kansas and the first Black person to chair the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce in its more than 100-year history. When I reflect on my journey, I see a direct connection between the opportunities I embraced at Butler and the leader I became. Butler helped me discover my voice, develop my confidence, and understand the importance of creating opportunities for others. Those lessons have guided me throughout my career and continue to shape my community service today. Attending Butler Community College was one of the best decisions I've made.
