Skip to main content

News & Events

Newsroom

If you want to be in the know about what’s going on at our organization, you’ve come to the right place.

From Dropout to Diplomat: Ryan Howey's Inspiring Journey

In this episode of Bear Tracks, host Hayley Hobbs welcomes Ryan Howey, a former Butler student now serving as the Deputy Director of Laboratory Services for the Medical Bureau of the U.S. State Department in Abu Dhabi. Ryan shares his unconventional path to success, starting from dropping out of high school and working minimum wage jobs to finding his footing at Butler County Community College, and ultimately achieving his dream job with the State Department. Ryan discusses the academic challenges he faced and how Butler's supportive environment with small class sizes helped him overcome them and gain the academic confidence he never had before. He highlights the unique opportunities Butler offered, such as personalized attention from professors and the flexibility to work full-time while studying. Ryan also shares anecdotes from his captivating career, including memorable experiences in Mongolia and Senegal, emphasizing the global impact of his work in laboratory services. The conversation delves into the perception of community colleges and the invaluable opportunities they provide, debunking misconceptions that community college degrees are less valuable. Ryan's journey is a testament to the belief that with hard work and determination, anyone can achieve their dreams, regardless of their starting point. Tune in for an inspiring story of resilience, perseverance, and the transformative power of education.

You can listen to Bear Tracks on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anywhere podcasts are available and view the podcast web page here.

MENU CLOSE