In this episode of Bear Tracks, host Hayley Hobbs sits down with Dr. Heather Rinkenbaugh, Dean of Online High School and Community Learning at Butler Community College. Heather shares her remarkable journey that began as a student on a softball scholarship in 2004, transitioning through various roles including administrative assistant, director of residence life, and director of high school academic partnerships. She became the dean right before the COVID-19 pandemic and recently served as the interim vice president of academics.

Heather also discusses challenges and accomplishments in her current role, including her work with online learning, high school academic programs, and unique projects such as the El Dorado Correctional Facility education initiative. Heather highlights the transformative impact of Butler's programs on students, including the Early College Academies, and shares her passion for making a difference in their lives.

In this episode of Bear Tracks, host Hayley Hobbs welcomes Ryan Howey, a former Butler student now serving as the Deputy Director of Laboratory Services for the Medical Bureau of the U.S. State Department in Abu Dhabi. Ryan shares his unconventional path to success, starting from dropping out of high school to finding his footing at Butler Community College, and ultimately achieving his dream job with the State Department. Ryan discusses the academic challenges he faced and how Butler's supportive environment with small class sizes helped him overcome them and gain the academic confidence he never had before.

He highlights the unique opportunities Butler offered, such as personalized attention from professors and the flexibility to work full-time while studying. Ryan also shares anecdotes from his captivating career, including memorable experiences in Mongolia and Senegal, emphasizing the global impact of his work in laboratory services.

The conversation delves into the perception of community colleges and the invaluable opportunities they provide, debunking misconceptions that community college degrees are less valuable. Ryan's journey is a testament to the belief that with hard work and determination, anyone can achieve their dreams, regardless of their starting point. Tune in for an inspiring story of resilience, perseverance, and the transformative power of education.

In this episode of Bear Tracks, Hayley sits down with head brewer Rick Goehring from Walnut River Brewing Company and discuss the strong community ties between the brewery, the city of El Dorado, and local colleges including Butler. Rick shares insights into Walnut River's history, its partnership with the college, and their commitment to giving back through events and educational courses.

Highlighting an upcoming homebrewing course in October, Rick provides details on how creative and scientifically-minded individuals can sign up.

To learn more or to register, interested individuals can email info@walnutriverbrewing.com or visit the Career and Workforce Education Department on the butlercc.edu website.

In the inaugural episode of 'Bear Tracks,' Butler Community College's official podcast, host Hayley Hobbs introduces Kate Garnes, a former Butler student and current motivational speaker. Kate shares her inspiring journey from her humble beginnings in Missouri to attending Butler Community College and Wichita State University before landing her dream job at Disney.

Reflecting on her time at Butler, Kate highlights the college's significant impact on her, particularly the supportive community, dedicated staff, and robust vocal music department. These foundational experiences helped shape her work ethic and confidence, which were crucial to her later success.

Kate discusses the challenges and realizations she faced in her career, including the pivotal moment she decided to transition into motivational speaking. She also touches upon Generation Z's unique qualities and struggles, offering insights into how Butler's nurturing environment can help students thrive. The episode concludes with Kate's current endeavors and her ongoing appreciation of Butler's influence on her personal and professional growth.

Welcome to Bear Tracks, where we embark on a captivating journey through the stories of alumni, supporters, current students, faculty, staff, and community members who make Butler Community College a special place to learn and grow.

Why Subscribe?

• Exclusive Stories: Hear firsthand accounts from those who have experienced the unique spirit of Butler.
• Community Connections: Stay connected with the Butler family and discover how our community continues to thrive.
• Milestone Moments: Join us as we look ahead to Butler's 100th anniversary celebration in 2027-2028. There's no better time to reflect on our rich history and bright future.

Hosted by Hayley Hobbs, a proud Butler alumna and the current Director of Donor Relations, each episode will bring you inspiring tales and exciting news from the home of the Grizzlies.

Share Your Story: We want to hear from you! Email us at beartrackspodcast@butlercc.edu and share your own Butler story. Who knows? Maybe your story will be featured on the show!

Subscribe now and be part of the Bear Tracks community. Together, we’ll celebrate the past, present, and future of Butler Community College.