Butler University is proud to welcome three distinguished individuals to its Board of Trustees, beginning in June 2025. Mike Dilts, Susanne McAlister, and Nick Musial ’02 bring a wealth of expertise across industries and a deep commitment to education, community engagement, and the Butler mission. 

“The strength of our Board lies in the diverse experiences, leadership, and passion our trustees bring to Butler University,” said President James Danko. “Mike, Susanne, and Nick each exemplify the Butler Way and will play an integral role in shaping our future. We are honored to welcome them to the Board.” 

About the New Trustees 

• Mike Dilts
  A respected leader in the construction industry, Mike Dilts serves as Executive Chairman and CEO of Shiel Sexton, a full-service, employee-owned construction firm specializing in commercial office, residential, healthcare, and education projects. With nearly four decades at Shiel Sexton, Dilts has led initiatives in business development, project management, and operational strategy, ensuring the company’s continued growth and impact. 
  
  Dilts earned a Bachelor of Science in Construction Technology from Purdue University and a C.S.S. in Business Administration from Harvard University and has remained deeply involved in community and philanthropic efforts. He has served with organizations such as the United Way of Central Indiana, Providence Cristo Rey High School, Marian University, Indiana Sports Corp., and the Indianapolis Public Safety Foundation. His leadership has contributed to significant development projects that have shaped communities and institutions throughout Indiana. Additionally, Dilts has provided critical support for some of central Indiana’s largest events, including the 2025 WNBA All-Star, 2024 NBA All-Star, 2024 USA Swimming Olympic Trials, and 2012 Super Bowl. Dilts is a 2021 Sagamore of the Wabash recipient and Purdue’s Boiler Business Exchange Hall of Fame honoree, among other notable distinctions. 

• Susanne McAlister 
  Bringing extensive experience in broadcasting, nonprofit leadership, education, and corporate development, Susanne McAlister has made a lasting impact through strategic fundraising and community engagement. She has worked with organizations such as Newfields, WFYI Public Media, and the Hoosier Art Salon, fostering arts and cultural initiatives. 
  
  McAlister’s career includes roles as a television talk show host and executive producer, using her platform to connect communities and build corporate partnerships. She also has a background in investment banking, having co-led a private placement firm that raised $18 billion. 
  
  A dedicated advocate for education, McAlister holds a bachelor’s in education from Ball State University and a master’s degree in counseling and educational psychology from Indiana University and previously served as Director of the Undergraduate Internship Program at IU. Her passion for servant leadership and lifelong learning aligns with Butler’s mission to develop students as future leaders and engaged citizens. 

• Nick Musial ’02 
  A Butler alumnus, Nick Musial ’02 has remained a steadfast supporter of Butler University since earning his Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the Lacy School of Business. He currently serves as Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer for Allegion plc, a global provider of commercial security products and solutions. Since joining Allegion in 2013, Musial has held roles including Director of External Reporting, Vice President of Audit, and Controller. Prior to Allegion, he worked at Deloitte Touche and BrightPoint. 
  
  Musial has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication to Butler, having served as President of both the Young Alumni Board and the Butler University Alumni Association (BUAA) Board of Directors. He was also the Alumni Representative on the Board of Trustees from 2018 to 2020 and continues to contribute as a member of the Lacy School of Business Dean’s Advisory Board. Along with his wife, Elizabeth ’05, MBA ’08, Musial has endowed a scholarship to support undergraduate students in need. 

Continuing Butler’s Legacy 

Butler strengthens its commitment to innovation, academic excellence, and community engagement with these new trustees. Their combined experience in business, philanthropy, education, and leadership will help shape the university’s strategic direction and ensure continued success for future generations of Bulldogs.