Imagine for a moment that you could create your own personal college. It would be focused on your particular needs. It would have professors who knew you and shared your passions. Classes would be closer to interesting conversations with a small group of friends than long lectures with dozens of strangers. And help would always be right next door. That’s a close description of Butler University. Learn more about how we take your education personally. 

Scott Bridge
Senior Lecturer, Eugene S. Pulliam School of Journalism and Creative Media

How have your students encouraged, inspired, or influenced you?
My students inspire me with their energy and positivity.

Why is mentoring important for college students?
Students are on the verge of entering the real world. Students can be anxious, confident, fearful, and strong all in the same day. Mentors can be valuable sounding boards. Mentoring can take a variety of forms. Sometimes the best mentoring is simply listening. Students like to know someone is paying attention to them. Not necessarily agreeing with them, but hearing them. Good students like to be held accountable too but don’t dwell solely on what they’re doing wrong. Tell them what they’re doing right and help them figure out how to do things better.

What advice would you give a prospective student who’s considering Butler University?
Butler University is a place where you can find out just as much about yourself outside of the classroom as you can inside the classroom. Butler is about so much more than academics. Get involved in as many things as you can. Put yourself out there and meet as many faculty and staff as possible, both inside and outside of your major. Connections and help are everywhere at Butler. All you have to do is say something to someone.

Rachel Christie
Journalism major, Creative Media and Entertainment minor
Woodbridge, Connecticut

How has your professor encouraged, inspired, or influenced you? 
I was a History major when I took my first class with Professor Bridge. He encouraged me to think outside of my major and find out what is truly important to me so I explored all the different Journalism opportunities CCOM had to offer. Professor Bridge was always with me along the way and he helped me find my true passion for video storytelling. I am so grateful for his words of encouragement in that very first class I had with him. If it weren’t for that, I don’t think I would be who I am today.

How have you grown as a result of the connections with your professor?
Professor Bridge has helped me grow in my academics, but also as a person. His advice is always so perfect and well-timed, and he has helped me tremendously in academic hardships as well as life issues. 

What has surprised you the most about this relationship?
Professor Bridge isn’t lying when he says he’ll always be there for his students, which truly surprised me. When I emailed him about a family issue I was dealing with, I wasn’t expecting him to call me the next day to make sure I was all right. I really appreciate that he goes the extra mile for his students. 

What advice would you give a prospective student who’s considering Butler University?
The biggest piece of advice I could give is to choose the school where you can see yourself able to grow. College shouldn’t be about comfort and familiarity. I can honestly say that Butler is intimidating in the best way possible. My professors push me to do my best academically, and my friends help me grow in my everyday life. There are so many unique opportunities on this campus that it can seem overwhelming at first, but I encourage you to dive right in.