Katie Stanley
Major: Psychology
Public Information Officer, Marion County Sheriff’s Office

What is your current position and how did Butler help you build the skills you use now?
My current position is Public Information Officer for the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. As a high school student, I was drawn to a liberal arts education. Butler, by its very nature, allowed me to experiment and take classes in communications, business, and the sciences simply because they interested me. I truly believe that access to a liberal arts education has made me a far more well-rounded person, capable of connecting with people from diverse backgrounds.

In my current role, I do a significant amount of writing and brainstorming for content creation, along with photography and graphic design. Butler allowed me to major in Psychology, where I could explore my passion for people and how they think, while also pursuing interests in communication, government, and photography.

Looking at where you are today, how did Butler help shape that path?
I am where I am today because of the relationships I built at Butler. Butler provided me with opportunities to connect deeply with people both inside and outside the classroom, helping me develop my interests and passions alongside my peers. The university also gave me the tools to succeed academically through the freedom it gives professors to structure their classrooms and through its commitment to the culture of “The Butler Way.”

What’s something you discovered about yourself while you were here?
I am capable of a lot more than I think I am. Butler, along with my experiences in Student Government and Greek life, taught me how to manage my time and how to lead from the front. Butler also taught me the value of taking initiative and just how powerful effective advocacy can be.

Looking back, what experience at Butler ended up being more influential than you realized at the time?
I think the most obvious answer is my time as Student Government Association (SGA) President. It was a truly unique experience that placed me in a position where students felt comfortable approaching me about everything from issues with lockers in the commuter lounge to having a voice in larger-scale strategic planning for the university. My time at Butler was deeply influential in teaching me how to understand my place in the universe and how to meet people where they are.

What are your future career goals?
Recently, I was selected to attend Officer Training School with the United States Air Force. Becoming an officer in the Air Force has long been a dream of mine, and I am eager to take this next step. While I plan to make the Air Force my career, my time at the Sheriff’s Office has been central to my character development.

What advice would you give a prospective student who’s considering Butler?
If you are looking for a school that offers a rigorous academic experience while still giving you room to grow as a person, this is the place for you. I chose Butler because I wanted a school that could deliver an outstanding experience outside the classroom. Butler gave me lifelong friends, and I am grateful to have spent some of the best years of my life on our beautiful campus.