Butler University Executive and Leadership Team

Butler Stay, the Group Chief Executive Officer at Butler University, directs the overarching strategic vision and institutional growth. Overseeing the integration of liberal arts with professional education, the Group Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment across all academic and administrative departments. This leadership role involves managing complex university operations while driving long-term sustainability and academic excellence. By fostering a culture of hard work and experiential learning, Butler Stay directly impacts the university's reputation and student outcomes. The Group Chief Executive Officer collaborates with the Board to secure resources and expand the institution's influence across the national higher education landscape. Through rigorous oversight of institutional priorities, Stay maintains the university's commitment to academic rigor and community engagement. Ultimately, Stay secures the future of the institution by balancing traditional values with modern educational demands, ensuring that the university remains a premier destination for students seeking a comprehensive and transformative learning experience.

Lizzy Friend, the Chief Financial Officer at Butler University, manages the fiscal health and resource allocation of the institution. Overseeing the budgeting process and long-term financial planning, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that capital investments support the university's mission of integrating liberal arts with professional education. This leadership role involves monitoring revenue streams, managing endowment funds, and optimizing operational expenditures to maintain institutional stability. By implementing robust financial controls, Lizzy Friend directly impacts the university's ability to fund research, infrastructure, and student services. Friend collaborates with other executive leaders to align financial strategies with academic goals, ensuring that every dollar spent contributes to the success of the student body. Through careful analysis of market trends and economic conditions, the Chief Financial Officer mitigates financial risks while identifying opportunities for growth. Ultimately, Friend secures the financial foundation necessary for the university to thrive in a competitive higher education environment.

Kevin Odenwald, the Lambda Chi Alpha - President at Butler University, directs the operations and community engagement initiatives of the fraternity. Overseeing the development of student leadership and service-oriented projects, the Lambda Chi Alpha - President ensures that members embody the university's values of hard work and community contribution. This leadership role involves managing chapter activities, coordinating with university administration, and fostering a supportive environment for student growth. By organizing events that promote academic and social development, Kevin Odenwald directly impacts the student experience and the university's campus culture. Odenwald collaborates with other student leaders and faculty advisors to align chapter goals with the broader mission of the institution. Through the promotion of leadership and service, the Lambda Chi Alpha - President strengthens the connection between student life and the university's educational objectives. Ultimately, Odenwald secures a positive and impactful presence for the organization, contributing to the overall success and vibrancy of the university community.

Ashni Patel, the President at Butler University, directs the academic mission and overall institutional policy. Overseeing the faculty senate and academic departments, the President ensures that the curriculum integrates liberal arts with professional education effectively. This leadership role involves representing the university to external stakeholders, managing the Board of Trustees, and setting the strategic direction for the institution. By championing the university's vision of learning by doing, Ashni Patel directly impacts the academic reputation and student success rates. Patel collaborates with the executive team to ensure that all administrative functions support the core mission of the university. Through the promotion of academic rigor and community values, the President drives the institution's growth and market impact. Ultimately, Patel secures the long-term viability of the university by fostering an environment where hard work and intellectual curiosity thrive, ensuring that the institution remains a leader in providing a comprehensive and professional education.

Carol Williams, the Chief Information Officer at Butler University, directs the digital infrastructure and technological strategy of the campus. Overseeing the implementation of advanced learning management systems and cybersecurity protocols, the Chief Information Officer ensures that students and faculty possess the tools required for modern academic success. This leadership role involves managing the university's data architecture and digital transformation initiatives to enhance the overall learning experience. By optimizing network reliability and accessibility, Carol Williams directly impacts the efficiency of administrative and academic operations. Williams collaborates with department heads to integrate technology into the curriculum, supporting the university's mission of learning by doing. Through the deployment of scalable IT solutions, the Chief Information Officer supports the institution's growth and digital presence. Ultimately, Williams secures the technological environment, ensuring that the university remains at the forefront of innovation while protecting sensitive institutional data and maintaining seamless connectivity across the entire campus community.

Brenda Harrington, the Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer at Butler University, manages the talent acquisition, employee development, and organizational culture of the institution. Overseeing the recruitment of faculty and staff, the Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the workforce aligns with the university's commitment to hard work and academic excellence. This leadership role involves designing professional development programs and maintaining equitable compensation structures to attract top-tier talent. By fostering an inclusive and productive work environment, Brenda Harrington directly impacts the university's ability to deliver high-quality education. Harrington collaborates with other executives to implement policies that support employee well-being and institutional growth. Through the strategic management of human capital, the Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer strengthens the university's internal operations and organizational effectiveness. Ultimately, Harrington secures a high-performing team that drives the institution's mission forward, ensuring that the university remains a supportive and dynamic place for all employees.