Butler University today unveiled the space for its Founder’s College, which will welcome its first class of students in August. Butler’s new two-year college—among the first of its kind in the U.S.—provides high-ability students from low-wealth backgrounds a pathway to earn their associate’s degree with no debt or out-of-pocket expenses. Academically qualifying graduates may also receive a four-year Butler degree at a fraction of the cost with little debt.
“Founder’s College is a bold extension of Butler’s founding mission—expand access to education and opportunity,” Butler University President James Danko said. “This new space showcases our deep commitment to intentionality and personalized education evident throughout our campus. By removing financial barriers and providing a supportive, purpose-built environment, we ensure more students can see themselves thriving at Butler—and beyond.”
During a ribbon-cutting ceremony, campus leaders showcased 9,000 square feet of renovations in a space that once served as the Christian Theological Seminary’s library. Butler has owned the building since 2017, and it has served as the home of its College of Education since 2018. The space designated for Founder’s College includes three classrooms, two huddle rooms, a professional development room, conference room, staff offices, and common areas for students including a social hub and an outdoor grand entry. Founder’s College students have full access to all the common areas, clubs, intramurals, libraries, dining facilities, Greek life, and recreation opportunities on the Butler campus.
The total cost of building renovations was funded through private donations, including a namesake, $2.5 million gift from Indianapolis philanthropist and Butler University alumna Marianne Glick and her spouse, Mike Woods. Their donation includes operating support for Founder’s College. Construction began nearly a year ago.
“The Marianne Glick and Mike Woods Founder’s College Commons is more than just a space,” Founding Dean Carolyn Gentle-Genitty said. “It’s a promise. It’s a pledge. It’s a commitment to help Indiana’s students author their own ending regardless of how and from where they began. Its close-knit setting reduces the randomness often caused by distance, offers students visible support, and puts resources within immediate reach from counselors and career coaches to faculty, financial aid, advisors, and even parking and food. From entering the space, the smell and feel is one of welcome.”
Founder’s College at Butler University plays an integral role in the state to prepare Indiana’s trained talent. College going rates have declined, putting a college degree even further out of mind and reach for many first-generation students. Designed for students immediately out of high school or two years post-high school, Founder’s College provides students with intensive and intentional support.
Students accepted into the inaugural cohort of Founder’s College at Butler University can choose from among four interdisciplinary programs: Business Data Analytics, Business Management Studies, Healthcare Studies, and Youth and Community Advocacy. These majors align with high-demand careers and pave the way for Founder’s College graduates to pursue relevant majors in four-year pathways of their choice.
Butler University named its two-year college Founder’s College as a tribute to its founder Ovid Butler, who founded Butler University in 1855 alongside abolitionists who wanted to create a university away from, in Butler’s words, the “pernicious influences of slavery.” From its beginning, Butler University admitted students of color and was the second university in the nation to admit women on an equal basis with men. It was the first university in the U.S. to establish an endowed chair for a female professor.
Founder’s College is currently accepting applications for fall 2025 admission. Information is available at butler.edu/founders.