Butler University Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Butler University has 7 executives leading key functions including financial strategy, human resources, institutional alliances, student leadership, charter governance, executive administration, and organizational development.

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

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

    Wayne Scott, the Chief Financial Officer at Butler University, manages the entire fiscal health of the institution. Overseeing long-term capital planning and annual budget allocations, the Chief Financial Officer ensures resources align with academic priorities. This leadership role involves monitoring endowment performance and optimizing operational expenditures to support the university mission. By implementing rigorous financial controls, Wayne Scott maintains the economic stability required for institutional growth. The Chief Financial Officer collaborates with the Board of Trustees to present transparent reporting on university assets. Through careful analysis of market trends, the Chief Financial Officer secures funding for campus infrastructure projects. This strategic oversight enables the university to expand professional education programs effectively. Ultimately, Scott provides the necessary fiscal foundation for all academic and extracurricular initiatives across the campus, ensuring sustainable development for the future of the institution.

    Nickolaos Georgis - President of Butler Alliance

    Nickolaos Georgis, the President of Butler Alliance at Butler University, architects strategic partnerships that bridge the gap between academic programs and professional industries. Overseeing external collaborations, the President of Butler Alliance expands the reach of the university into broader regional markets. This leadership role involves coordinating with corporate stakeholders to create internship opportunities and research initiatives that benefit the student body. By facilitating these connections, Nickolaos Georgis enhances the practical application of the liberal arts curriculum. The President of Butler Alliance drives engagement with alumni networks to secure ongoing support for institutional goals. Through the development of cross-sector alliances, the President of Butler Alliance strengthens the reputation of the university as a leader in professional education. This work directly impacts student career outcomes by aligning academic training with current industry demands, ensuring graduates possess the skills necessary for success in a modern, global economy.

    Kevin Odenwald - Lambda Chi Alpha - President

    Kevin Odenwald, the Lambda Chi Alpha - President at Butler University, manages the daily operations and community service initiatives of the organization. Overseeing member development and chapter governance, the Lambda Chi Alpha - President ensures alignment with the broader university standards for student conduct and academic excellence. This leadership role involves coordinating philanthropic events that contribute to the local community while fostering a culture of hard work among members. By organizing leadership workshops, Kevin Odenwald prepares students for future professional responsibilities. The Lambda Chi Alpha - President collaborates with university administration to maintain a positive campus presence and support student life objectives. Through the promotion of ethical standards and personal accountability, the Lambda Chi Alpha - President enhances the overall student experience. This commitment to service and academic rigor reflects the core values of the university, providing a structured environment for personal growth and community engagement.

    Ashni Patel - President

    Ashni Patel, the President at Butler University, directs the overarching strategic vision and academic mission of the entire institution. Overseeing all administrative divisions, the President ensures that the integration of liberal arts and professional education remains the primary focus of the university. This leadership role involves setting institutional priorities, managing relationships with the Board of Trustees, and representing the university to external stakeholders. By championing innovation in teaching and research, Ashni Patel drives the university toward greater national prominence. The President coordinates with other executive leaders to ensure operational efficiency and financial health across all campus departments. Through a commitment to fostering a community that learns by doing, the President shapes the future direction of the university. This executive oversight supports the development of programs that prepare students for success, ensuring the institution continues to serve as a vital hub for intellectual and professional growth.

    Alise Johnson - President & Co-Founder

    Alise Johnson, the President & Co-Founder at Butler University, leads the strategic development of new academic initiatives and institutional partnerships. Overseeing the expansion of professional education programs, the President & Co-Founder ensures that the university remains at the forefront of industry-relevant learning. This leadership role involves identifying emerging market needs and aligning curriculum development with these trends. By fostering a culture of entrepreneurship, Alise Johnson encourages faculty and students to pursue innovative research and practical projects. The President & Co-Founder collaborates with the executive team to secure resources for campus growth and infrastructure improvements. Through the promotion of the university mission, the President & Co-Founder strengthens the connection between academic theory and real-world application. This leadership approach drives the university to achieve its goals of creating a community that values hard work and excellence, ensuring long-term success for the institution and its graduates.

    Brenda Harrington - Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer

    Brenda Harrington, the Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer at Butler University, directs all talent acquisition and workforce development strategies. Overseeing faculty recruitment and staff retention programs, the Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer cultivates a high-performance culture rooted in the university values. This leadership role involves managing complex labor relations and designing comprehensive benefits packages that attract top-tier academic professionals. By streamlining administrative workflows, Brenda Harrington improves organizational efficiency across all departments. The Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer partners with executive leadership to foster an inclusive environment that supports the liberal arts mission. Through proactive policy development, the Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer mitigates institutional risk while promoting professional growth. This focus on human capital ensures the university maintains a competitive edge in the higher education sector, ultimately driving excellence in both teaching and administrative support functions.

    Francis Moriarty - Charter Member

    Francis Moriarty, the Charter Member at Butler University, provides foundational guidance and historical perspective to the governing bodies of the institution. Overseeing the preservation of core university principles, the Charter Member ensures that current strategic decisions remain consistent with the long-standing mission established in 1855. This leadership role involves advising the Board on matters of institutional integrity and long-term vision. By participating in high-level policy reviews, Francis Moriarty helps maintain the balance between traditional liberal arts values and modern professional education requirements. The Charter Member acts as a bridge between the history of the university and future growth initiatives. Through consistent advocacy for academic excellence, the Charter Member supports the development of a community that values hard work. This role is essential for maintaining the unique identity of the university while navigating the complexities of the contemporary higher education landscape and ensuring institutional stability.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Butler University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Butler University?
    Butler University is led by Wayne Scott (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Nickolaos Georgis (President of Butler Alliance) and Kevin Odenwald (Lambda Chi Alpha - President).
    Who is part of Butler University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Butler University includes leaders such as Wayne Scott (Chief Financial Officer), Nickolaos Georgis (President of Butler Alliance), Kevin Odenwald (Lambda Chi Alpha - President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Butler University have?
    Butler University has 7 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 Chief Financial Officer, President of Butler Alliance, Lambda Chi Alpha - President, President, President & Co-Founder.