By: Butler University

Barry Collier ’76 served Butler University for 28 years and was celebrated in Hinkle style at the March 6 home basketball game against Xavier, accompanied by his family. Complete with a presentation of a Sagamore of the Wabash by the State of Indiana and a one-of-a-kind lifetime season ticket, the evening allowed both a crowd full of Bulldogs and Collier himself to demonstrate their mutual gratitude for a life and career dedicated to Butler.

Collier concluded his tenure as Vice President and Director of Athletics on April 30 with Grant Leiendecker ’11 succeeding him in the role.

“Throughout his time at Butler as a student-athlete, coach, administrator, and leader, Barry has personified our core values of dedication, spirit, and excellence. He has consistently demonstrated these qualities with utmost integrity and distinction.”

President James M. Danko

Barry’s Best

  • 31 combined years at Butler (two as student-athlete, 11 as Head Coach, and 18 as Vice President and Athletic Director)
  • Served as Butler’s Vice President and Director of Athletics since 2006
  • Serves on the NCAA Men’s Basketball Committee; previously served on the NCAA Men’s Basketball Oversight Committee and the NIT Committee
  • Recognized with Under Armour Athletic Director of the Year honors in 2019 by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA)
  • As Head Coach, led the Bulldogs to six postseason campaigns (in 1997, mentored the Bulldogs to an NCAA Tournament appearance, the school’s first in 35 years)
  • Led the Bulldogs to three NCAA Tournament appearances in his final four seasons as Coach
  • Along with President James Danko, oversaw the school’s move to the BIG EAST Conference in 2013
  • Butler student-athletes combined for a GPA of 3.3 and above in 10 consecutive semesters
  • Men’s Basketball runs to the NCAA Final Four® in 2010 and 2011 most notable Athletics accomplishments during Collier’s tenure.
  • The highest finish for a women’s team in school history—placing third in the 2013 NCAA Cross-Country Championships.

“Collier emphasized The Butler Way which featured team play. The whole of Collier’s teams was always greater than the sum of its parts, and that tradition was extended to the coaches that followed.”

David Woods, in his book, The Butler Way