Butler University Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Butler University has 8 executives leading key functions including strategic oversight, financial management, human resources, and academic leadership.

Dedicated to integrating liberal arts with professional education, Butler University fosters a community where students and faculty learn by doing while valuing hard work as an essential building block for success.

Leadership Roles at Butler University

  • Group Chief Executive Officer - Butler Stay
  • Chief Financial Officer - Wayne Scott
  • President - Ashni Patel
  • President of Butler Alliance - Nickolaos Georgis
  • President & Co-Founder - Alise Johnson
  • Lambda Chi Alpha - President - Kevin Odenwald
  • Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer - Brenda Harrington
  • Charter Member - Francis Moriarty
  • Butler Stay - Group Chief Executive Officer

    Butler Stay, the Group Chief Executive Officer at Butler University, directs the overarching strategic vision for the institution. By aligning academic goals with professional education standards, Stay ensures the university maintains a competitive edge in the higher education landscape. This leadership role involves managing complex institutional partnerships and driving long-term growth initiatives across North American academic markets. Butler Stay coordinates with the Board to implement policies that enhance student outcomes and faculty engagement. Through rigorous oversight of university operations, the Group Chief Executive Officer optimizes resource allocation to support the core mission of liberal arts integration. By fostering a culture of hard work and innovation, Stay secures the institutional reputation for excellence. The Group Chief Executive Officer remains focused on expanding the reach of the university while maintaining the high standards established since the founding in 1855.

    Wayne Scott - Chief Financial Officer

    Wayne Scott, the Chief Financial Officer at Butler University, manages the fiscal health and long-term economic sustainability of the institution. Overseeing the budgeting process, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that financial resources directly support the integration of liberal arts with professional education. Scott monitors capital expenditures and endowment performance to guarantee the university remains financially robust. This role requires close collaboration with academic leadership to fund new programs and infrastructure projects. Wayne Scott drives efficiency across all administrative departments, reducing overhead while maximizing the impact of tuition and grant revenue. By implementing advanced financial modeling, the Chief Financial Officer mitigates institutional risk and supports strategic growth. Scott maintains transparency in reporting to the Board, ensuring that every dollar spent aligns with the core mission of creating a community that values hard work as an essential building block for success.

    Ashni Patel - President

    Ashni Patel, the President at Butler University, leads the academic and administrative operations of the institution. By championing the integration of liberal arts with professional education, the President sets the tone for the entire campus community. Patel oversees the implementation of curriculum enhancements and research initiatives that define the university experience. This role involves representing the institution to external stakeholders, donors, and the broader academic community. Ashni Patel drives the strategic planning process, ensuring that every academic department contributes to the goal of creating a community that values hard work. By fostering partnerships with industry leaders, the President expands professional opportunities for students. Patel works closely with the Board to ensure the university remains true to the founding principles while adapting to modern educational demands. The President maintains a focus on student success and institutional growth through rigorous academic standards.

    Nickolaos Georgis - President of Butler Alliance

    Nickolaos Georgis, the President of Butler Alliance at Butler University, directs the external partnerships and collaborative ventures that extend the university reach. By building bridges between the academic community and professional sectors, the President of Butler Alliance creates unique opportunities for students to engage in real-world learning. Georgis manages the strategic alliances that support the university mission of integrating liberal arts with professional education. This role involves identifying new market opportunities and fostering relationships with corporate partners to enhance the value of the degree programs. Nickolaos Georgis ensures that these alliances provide tangible benefits, such as internships and research projects, that reinforce the value of hard work. By coordinating with other executive leaders, the President of Butler Alliance aligns external activities with the internal strategic goals of the university. Georgis drives the expansion of the university influence across diverse professional landscapes.

    Alise Johnson - President & Co-Founder

    Alise Johnson, the President & Co-Founder at Butler University, provides foundational leadership and strategic direction for the institution. By maintaining the vision established at the inception of the organization, the President & Co-Founder ensures that the core values of hard work and liberal arts integration remain central to the university identity. Johnson oversees the long-term development of the campus and the expansion of the academic portfolio. This role involves high-level decision-making regarding institutional priorities and the cultivation of a culture that values learning by doing. Alise Johnson collaborates with the leadership team to ensure that the university remains a leader in professional education. By guiding the strategic trajectory, the President & Co-Founder secures the future of the institution. Johnson remains dedicated to the mission of creating a community that prepares students for success through rigorous academic and professional training.

    Kevin Odenwald - Lambda Chi Alpha - President

    Kevin Odenwald, the Lambda Chi Alpha - President at Butler University, manages the student leadership and organizational activities within the fraternity chapter. By promoting the values of hard work and community service, the Lambda Chi Alpha - President ensures that members contribute positively to the university environment. Odenwald oversees the chapter operations, including recruitment, event planning, and adherence to university policies. This role involves mentoring student members and fostering an environment that supports academic success alongside professional development. Kevin Odenwald coordinates with university administration to ensure that fraternity activities align with the broader mission of the institution. By facilitating leadership training and community engagement, the Lambda Chi Alpha - President helps students develop the skills necessary for success. Odenwald maintains a focus on building a supportive network that enhances the overall student experience at the university.

    Brenda Harrington - Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer

    Brenda Harrington, the Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer at Butler University, architects the talent strategy and organizational culture for the entire campus. By managing recruitment, retention, and professional development, the Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer ensures the faculty and staff embody the university mission of learning by doing. Harrington oversees compensation structures and benefits programs that attract top-tier academic talent to the Indianapolis region. This leadership role involves navigating complex labor regulations and fostering an inclusive environment that supports hard work. Brenda Harrington collaborates with other C-suite leaders to align workforce capabilities with the evolving needs of professional education programs. By implementing performance management systems, the Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer drives accountability and excellence across all departments. Harrington maintains a focus on employee engagement to ensure the university remains a premier destination for educators and administrative professionals.

    Francis Moriarty - Charter Member

    Francis Moriarty, the Charter Member at Butler University, provides historical context and institutional guidance to the leadership team. By upholding the original mission of integrating liberal arts with professional education, the Charter Member ensures that current initiatives remain consistent with the founding principles. Moriarty advises on long-term strategic decisions and helps maintain the culture of hard work that defines the university. This role involves participating in key governance discussions and providing insights based on deep institutional knowledge. Francis Moriarty supports the executive team by offering a perspective that balances tradition with the need for modern innovation. By fostering a sense of continuity, the Charter Member helps the university navigate changes in the higher education landscape. Moriarty remains a vital link to the history of the institution, ensuring that the core values continue to guide the community toward future success.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Butler University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Butler University?
    Butler University is led by Butler Stay (Group Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Wayne Scott (Chief Financial Officer) and Ashni Patel (President).
    Who is part of Butler University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Butler University includes leaders such as Butler Stay (Group Chief Executive Officer), Wayne Scott (Chief Financial Officer), Ashni Patel (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Butler University have?
    Butler University has 8 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Butler University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Butler University includes roles such as Group Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, President, President of Butler Alliance, President & Co-Founder.