Introducing Dr. Robinson
In this episode of Bear Tracks, host Hayley Hobbs interviews Dr. Barry Robinson, the new Vice President of Academics at Butler Community College, who joined the institution in August 2024. Dr. Robinson discusses his background in clinical neurovirology and his transition to higher education, the supportive family atmosphere at Butler, and his vision and goals for the academic programs at the college. He also shares a touching story from his teaching career and talks about the challenges facing community colleges and how Butler is addressing them. The interview highlights the college's commitment to student success and the positive experiences Dr. Robinson has already had with both students and the community.
Creators and Guests
Host
Hayley Hobbs
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.
Guest
Dr. Barry Robinson
Dr. Robinson comes to Butler after serving as Vice President of Instruction at Whatcom Community College in Bellingham, Washington. Prior to that, he was Executive Dean at Seattle Central College in Seattle, Washington, and Academic Workforce Dean at Green River College in Auburn, Washington. Originally from Louisville, Kentucky, Dr. Robinson earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Brescia College (now Brescia University). He then earned his Master’s Degree in Environmental Biology with an emphasis in Microbial Stream Ecology at Eastern Kentucky University and his doctorate in Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics from the University of Kentucky. Before beginning his career in higher education, Dr. Robinson worked as a clinical researcher at Johns Hopkins Medical Center, the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and the University of Washington. At Johns Hopkins his research consisted of investigating peripheral neuropathy associated with HIV-1 infections.
