Rose Hill Community News
Featured Story
Congressman Visits Butler Welding Program, Highlighting Workforce Partnerships
A recent visit from U.S. Congressman Ron Estes to Butler’s welding facility in Rose Hill highlighted the strength of the college’s hands-on workforce training model. Estes toured the facility and watched several student demonstrations, getting a firsthand look at the important role Butler plays in preparing students for high-demand careers.
Butler President Dr. Tamara Daniel said the tour underscored the power of collaboration between education and industry. “What stood out while touring the welding program is how strong the partnership is between Rose Hill schools, Butler Community College, and local industry,” Daniel said. “This is what workforce development should look like, students learning in a real lab environment, guided by faculty, and connected to future employers. I hope Representative Ron Estes saw just how impactful that collaboration can be.”
Student Spotlight
From Spark to Skill: Rose Hill Student Welder Earns Teter Scholarship
Rose Hill’s Thomas Klosterman turned a spark of curiosity into a clear career path, earning the Jim Teter Memorial Scholarship as he pursues welding at Butler. What began with social media videos and lessons from his dad has grown into a skillset he’s refined through hands-on practice and determination. Now focused on opportunities in pipelines, refineries, and specialized applications, Klosterman is driven by both ambition and purpose, citing his future family as his primary motivation. “I want to make a name for myself and be able to provide a good life for my future wife and children,” he said.
Scholarship Window Open for 2026-2027
Students with a valid Butler email address can complete a scholarship application by clicking this link https://butlercc.academicworks.com/users/sign_in or by visiting the Butler Foundation scholarship page at https://butlerccfoundation.org/.
Butler in Your Community
Andover Attorney Jim Howell Returns to Board of Trustees
Attorney Jim Howell of Andover was sworn in as a member of the Butler Board of Trustees on January 13, 2026. Howell, who previously served as a Trustee from 2018 to 2022, represents Andover and Rose Hill on the Board. "QUOTE"
Butler News
Dr. Marc Malone Named Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs
Dr. Marc Malone has been named Butler's Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs. He recently served as Vice President for Instructional Services and Chief Academic Officer at Garden City Community College, where he oversaw instruction, workforce development and accreditation.
“I am honored to join Butler Community College and will work to support and continue the tradition of excellence at Butler,” said Malone. “I’ve always been committed to fostering environments that support people, certainly our students, faculty, and staff, but also our industry partners and the health and well-being of communities across Butler County, our region, and our state.”
Butler and Augusta Schools Announce New CyberIT Education Pathway
Butler and Augusta Public Schools have launched a new CyberIT education pathway that looks to prepare all Butler County high school students for high-wage careers in IT and cybersecurity. Taught by Butler instructors, the pathway will offer industry-recognized credentials to support immediate workforce entry. “Our goal is to ensure students leave prepared for what comes next,” said Augusta Superintendent Matt Ward, “whether that path leads to college, the workforce, or both.”
U.S. Senator (and Grizzly Alum) Roger Marshall Visits Butler to Announce New Cyber Security Collaboration
Senator Roger Marshall visited Butler’s Andover campus to announce that Kansas Community Colleges and the Kansas National Guard have established a partnership to develop the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. The partnership represents a collaborative effort to quickly expand career pathways in one of the nation’s fastest-growing fields.
“Kansas is ready to lead the nation in cybersecurity, and this partnership makes it possible,” said Senator Marshall. “By connecting our community colleges with the Kansas National Guard, we are creating real pathways for Kansans to gain the skills our state and country need, while building careers in one of the fastest-growing and most critical fields in America.”
On the Calendar
Butler to Host Scouting America Camp This Summer
Butler is partnering with Scouting America to host a special day camp this summer July 29-31. Middle and high school aged boys and girls from around the region will visit our El Dorado and Andover campuses to participate in hands-on learning activities led by Butler faculty, earn a variety of merit badges and get a taste of the collegiate experience!
Contact Butler Associate Vice President of Research and Effectiveness Dr. Aidan Dunleavy for more information.
Elevate Your Drone Pilot Skills at Butler
Join us June 22–26 in El Dorado for a one-week course to earn your FAA Remote Pilot Certificate. Master airspace rules, safety procedures, and flight operations through hands-on experience using your drone or ours. This class is ideal for those working in construction, real estate, or agriculture.
Know What's Next: Sign up for our Career and Workforce Education emails to get updates on new certifications, in-demand classes and workshops designed to keep you competitive, connected and moving forward.
Join Us For the 2026 Grizzly Parade!
The Grizzly Gold Parade returns August 22 at 10 a.m. One of our favorite events all year in El Dorado, the parade signals the start of a new school year—and this year, it also kicks off our Centennial celebration! For more information, or to submit your own idea for a float, contact Aletra Chaney-Profit at achaneyprofi@butlercc.edu.
Our Centennial
What Makes Butler "More Than a Place" To You?
We want to hear your answers to this question, which will be shared on social media throughout our year-long centennial celebration starting this fall. Share your story by emailing centennial@butlercc.edu.
Stay Informed
From student success stories and program highlights to community events and exciting industry partnerships, our news page brings you the stories shaping Butler today.