Bear Tracks - The Official Podcast of Butler Community College

Hayley Hobbs, Director of Donor Relations - I am a 2009 graduate of Butler and have been working at Butler Community College Foundation since 2012 where I oversee database administration, event management, marketing and communications, and more. Recent accomplishments include writing a successful Bank of America Neighborhood Champions Grant and being recognized as a 2023 Wichita Business Journal Young Professional in Professional Service. One of my other duties as assigned jobs currently is leading the Centennial Committee as Butler Community College approaches its 100th birthday in 2027. For this and many other reasons, I am excited to be the host of Bear Tracks: The Official Butler Community College Podcast.

Dr. Tamara Daniel is a first-generation college graduate who understands firsthand the power of education to transform lives. With over 25 years of leadership experience in the community college sector, she has dedicated her career to expanding access to education, strengthening workforce development, and fostering institutional growth through collaborative leadership and strategic innovation. She is deeply committed to advancing academic excellence by promoting high-quality instruction, student-centered learning, and data-driven decision-making that supports student success and institutional effectiveness. She believes in cultivating a collaborative institutional culture where individuals are valued, voices are heard, and collective contributions drive meaningful progress. Dr Tamara Daniel headshot She currently serves as Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at Arkansas State University-Mountain Home (ASUMH). Her experience spans diverse institutions, from large urban community colleges with multiple campuses to midrange and rural colleges. She has served as Vice President for the College, Associate Dean of Academics, Executive Director of International Studies, Department Chair of Mathematics, and full-time tenured professor, equipping her with the adaptability to meet diverse institutional needs while embracing the unique culture of each institution. She holds a Ph.D. and M.S. in Mathematics from The University of Mississippi, as well as a B.A. in Psychology. Dr. Daniel is deeply committed to expanding access to education and creating seamless pathways for student success. She has strengthened K-12 partnerships to enhance dual enrollment and early college programs, ensuring high school students are prepared for both academic transfer and workforce opportunities. She has also led efforts to align academic offerings with regional workforce needs, developed prison education programs in business and advanced manufacturing, and expanded access through on-campus and online learning initiatives that support all students. Her leadership has secured over $15 million in external funding to support these efforts, providing resources for scholarships, student success programs, technology infrastructure, faculty development, startup funding for new academic programs, and Open Educational Resource initiatives. Through her work, she continues to break down barriers to education and create opportunities that empower students to achieve their academic and career goals. As a servant-leader committed to institutional excellence, Dr. Daniel has a deep passion for student success, innovation, and institutional growth. Her ability to foster collaboration, drive strategic initiatives, and build strong community and industry partnerships has positioned her as an impactful leader in higher education. She remains dedicated to creating inclusive and accessible learning environments that support both students and the broader communities they serve. With a strong foundation in academic leadership, workforce development, and student- centered innovation, she continues to champion the mission of community colleges as engines of opportunity, economic mobility, and lifelong learning.