STCC names interim vice president of advancement and external affairs
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Springfield Technical Community College has named an interim vice president of advancement and external affairs, a leadership position that oversees institution-sustaining efforts, engagement writ-large, and strategic communication.
Dr. Shai L. Butler, who starts June 7th, will work closely with Dr. John B. Cook, STCC President, to support the mission of STCC. In this role, Butler will carry a portfolio that includes fundraising, governmental relations, strategic marketing, branding, and communication. The role also ensures deep connections with the STCC Foundation, and Dr. Butler carries the dual title of Executive Director to the STCC Foundation.
Dr. Shai Butler
“We’re thrilled that Dr. Butler is joining us at STCC,” President John B. Cook said. “She brings tremendous intellect, along with a wealth of experience in higher education to this role; particularly impressive is her understanding of fundraising and community outreach, as well as her leadership of equity initiatives, which are so prominent in our mission at STCC."
Butler most recently served as the vice president for student development at the College of Saint Rose in Albany, N.Y.
Jennifer Brown, President of the STCC Foundation Board of Directors, said the Board is looking forward to working with Butler: “the Foundation Board is pleased to welcome Dr. Shai Butler to Springfield Technical Community College,” Brown said. “She will be a strong asset to enhance and support the mission of the STCC Foundation.”
Butler is no stranger to Western Massachusetts; her husband, Dr. Odo Butler, worked at American International College from 2018-2020 and they have enjoyed camping trips to Becket.
We're thrilled that Dr. Butler is joining us at STCC. She brings tremendous intellect, along with a wealth of experience in higher education to this role; particularly impressive is her understanding of fundraising and community outreach, as well as her leadership of equity initiatives, which are so prominent in our mission at STCC.John B. Cook, President, STCC
“I’m excited about joining STCC and looking forward to meeting faculty, students, staff as well as the many partners in the community, government, education and industry,” Butler said. “STCC is a gem for greater-Springfield, and I look forward to supporting its goals and mission in my role at the college.”
Known by her students as “Dr. Shai,” Butler led the creation of the Division of Student Development at the College of Saint Rose, where she had worked in various leadership roles since 2007. For many years she served as the chief diversity officer. Butler began her career in higher education at the University Albany - State University of New York, where she worked for over a decade. She was educated at the University at Albany, where she earned a bachelor's degree in English and a master's degree in Educational Administration and Policy Studies. In 2014 she earned a doctoral degree in Law and Policy at Northeastern University in Boston.
A speaker, writer, and influencer on diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI), women's leadership, mentorship, sponsorship and professional development, she is an executive contributor for Higheredjobs.com. In addition, Dr. Butler's research on educational access for low-income students opened the door for her to join 60 educators at a 2014 White House conference on increasing the number of youth and traditional college-aged students of color majoring in the fields of STEM.
Find out more information about Butler at her website, drshaibutler.com.
Interested in applying to STCC? Visit stcc.edu/apply or call Admissions at (413) 755-3333.
About Springfield Technical Community College
STCC, the Commonwealth's only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC's highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide unequalled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jim Danko, (413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu