Butler Community College Names Dr. Barry Robinson New Vice President of Academics

Butler Community College is pleased to announce Dr. Barry Robinson has been named Vice President of Academics for the College. His first day was Monday, August 12.

Dr. Robinson comes to Butler after serving as Vice President of Instruction at Whatcom Community College in Bellingham, Washington. Prior to that, he was Executive Dean at Seattle Central College in Seattle, Washington, and Academic Dean at Green River College in Auburn, Washington.

Originally from Louisville, Kentucky, Dr. Robinson earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Brescia College (now Brescia University). He then earned his Master’s Degree in Environmental Biology with an emphasis in Microbial Stream Ecology at Eastern Kentucky University and his doctorate in Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics from the University of Kentucky.

Before beginning his career in higher education, Dr. Robinson worked as a clinical researcher at Johns Hopkins Medical Center, the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and the University of Washington. At Johns Hopkins his research consisted of investigating peripheral neuropathy associated with HIV-1 infections.

Dr. Robinson says his science background has helped him greatly as an administrator in higher education, specifically pointing to the importance of communication and collaboration in both fields. “In the scientific realm, you collaborate with people around the world and people from different cultures. Other times you’re dealing with the state and other entities, and it takes effort to communicate at that level,” he said.

When asked how those skills have translated, Dr. Robinson pointed to his open door policy for students. “I think it speaks to being collaborative and being able to listen to students to meet them where they are. Since they are the eyes and ears of the front line, it allows us to adapt and pivot as need be to ensure that they have the best educational journey possible.”

Students who come into his office are first asked if they would like him to respond. “And if they don’t, then I’ll just listen. Other times I’ll be on my way to a meeting, and I’ll say, ‘I’ve got five minutes, but you can have it.’”

Butler Community College President Dr. Kimberly Krull says Dr. Robinson will bring a special level of commitment to Butler’s mission to support students and change lives. “As the Vice President of Academics, Dr. Robinson will build strong partnerships across the college with students, faculty and staff and within our communities,” said Krull. “He will be actively engaged to ensure a focus on excellence, innovation and collaboration.”

Having experienced Butler’s community and family-based environment firsthand during the interview process, Dr. Robinson believes he has the right formula for success. “Success is a step-by-step process. And part of that is to keep students supported and encouraged, and from what I’ve seen that’s exactly what Butler does. What I would like to do is enhance that as a dedicated member of the Butler community.”