AvantBlue, Butler University’s groundbreaking consulting service, is setting a new standard for educational and business technology solutions. What began as a vision within Butler’s Transformation Lab has quickly evolved into a powerful engine for innovation and efficiency, both on campus and beyond.
The Butler Transformation Lab, designed to serve as a University-wide catalyst for transforming higher education, played a crucial role in the creation and launch of AvantBlue. The Lab’s mission is to vet, design, and implement new educational and business models that align with Butler’s strategic direction. It also addresses necessary changes in the University’s foundational systems to better support diverse student populations. AvantBlue is a prime example of how the Lab is driving Butler’s commitment to innovation.
Co-founded by Pete Williams, Associate Vice President of IT and Chief Information Officer at Butler, and Joe Ader, Senior Director, and Assistant Chief Information Officer, AvantBlue emerged from a pressing need at Butler to manage technology costs more effectively. “The idea for AvantBlue was born out of our experience with high technology costs and the challenge of finding skilled talent to manage it,” Williams said. “The Transformation Lab provided the ideal environment for this idea to take root and flourish, helping to refine the concept and guiding it through the critical early stages of development.”
AvantBlue’s mission is straightforward yet impactful: empower organizations by providing expert consulting services and delivering creative, cost-efficient technology solutions. From IT strategy and cybersecurity to digital transformation and infrastructure management, AvantBlue offers a comprehensive suite of services designed to drive growth and enhance operational capabilities.
One of AvantBlue’s early successes was its partnership with Heritage Christian School, a private PK-12 school in Indianapolis. Jean Goosman, Director of Technology at Heritage Christian, recalls how AvantBlue stepped in at a critical time: “They were incredibly responsive and professional. AvantBlue didn’t just consult—they completely revamped our entire network, ensuring everything was in place before the start of the school year. Their expertise has been exactly what we needed.”
Britany Goodpaster, AvantBlue’s Head of Strategy and Business Operations and the company’s first full-time employee, has been instrumental in the service’s growth. Britany’s role at AvantBlue is uniquely symbiotic with her academic journey. As an MBA student at Butler, she has been able to directly apply her coursework to the operations of AvantBlue, creating a dynamic interplay between her studies and her professional responsibilities. “It’s been a unique opportunity,” Goodpaster said. “What I learn in my MBA classes directly informs my work at AvantBlue, and the challenges we face in the business provide real-world examples for my coursework. This has allowed me to contribute meaningfully to AvantBlue’s growth while also enhancing my academic experience.”
This symbiosis has proven invaluable not just for Goodpaster, but for AvantBlue as a whole. Her entrepreneurial spirit and strategic thinking, honed through this dual role, have played a key part in expanding AvantBlue’s reach and impact.
AvantBlue’s influence extends well beyond Butler’s campus. The service has successfully partnered with institutions across Indiana, offering solutions that address the unique challenges faced by schools and businesses alike. By providing access to affordable, high-quality technology, AvantBlue is helping to level the playing field, making education and business operations more accessible and efficient.
The Butler Transformation Lab’s involvement has been crucial in ensuring AvantBlue’s success. The Lab’s focus on transforming higher education and advancing the University’s strategic goals has enabled AvantBlue to not only serve Butler University but also to extend its innovative solutions to the broader community. This collaboration has helped AvantBlue remain true to its mission of saving Butler money while generating new revenue streams for the University.
Looking ahead, AvantBlue wants to continue growing responsibly while maintaining its focus on innovation and service. “We’re driven by a desire to make a meaningful difference for our clients while supporting Butler’s mission,” Williams said. “The Transformation Lab was instrumental in making AvantBlue a reality, and we’re proud to carry that spirit of innovation forward.”
For organizations looking to optimize their technology investments, AvantBlue offers a proven track record of success underpinned by Butler University’s longstanding tradition of excellence and innovation. To learn more about how AvantBlue can help your organization, visit AvantBlue.com.