Founder’s College at Butler University’s first cohort of 67 students starts classes today, marking a new chapter in the University’s long history of access, innovation, and service to Indiana families. 

Founder’s College is Butler’s new two-year college designed to deliver an affordable, high-support pathway to an associate’s degree in high-demand fields. The model combines small classes, dedicated success coaching, and career-connected learning so students can build momentum from day one. With financial structures that are intended to minimize or eliminate out-of-pocket costs for most students, Founder’s College offers clear on-ramps into the workforce and transfer pathways for those who choose to continue into Butler bachelor’s degree programs—keeping opportunity close to home and aligned with regional talent needs. 

Founder’s College extends Butler’s 19th-century promise of expanding opportunity through education—meeting students where they are today and preparing them to lead in tomorrow’s workforce. The inaugural class reflects strong local roots and momentum: students hail from 29 Central Indiana high schools, with top feeder schools including Warren Central High School, KIPP Legacy School, Lawrence North High School, and Pike High School. 

Academic interest across the cohort aligns with fields of growing regional demand. The most selected programs are: 

• Business Management Studies (22 students) 
• Healthcare Studies—Clinical (21 students) 
• Youth and Community Advocacy (18 students) 

“These students are choosing pathways that matter—to their families, to Indianapolis, and to Indiana’s economy,” Butler University President James Danko said. “Founder’s College is built to connect ambition with opportunity and reflects Butler’s responsibility to lead in making higher education more affordable for students now and into the future.” 

“Every journey begins from doubt. Yesterday our students took a leap in trusting us with their future,” Founder’s College Dean Carolyn Gentle-Genitty said. “The Indianapolis and Butler community far and wide, because of Butler’s strong history and consistent innovation in meeting community needs, are trusting us too. A history of bold education for all continues, together. Our students are authoring their own ending as we help them remove the randomness of success.” 

Building on Butler’s tradition, Founder’s College offers a high-touch, student-centered model that combines academic momentum with wraparound support, career exploration, and community-based learning. The result is a clear on-ramp to high-value credentials and meaningful careers, while strengthening the pipeline of talent for Central Indiana. 

For more information about Founder’s College, visit butler.edu/founders or email foundersadmission@butler.edu.