In this episode of Bear Tracks, host Hayley Hobbs welcomes Ryan Howey, a former Butler student now serving as the Deputy Director of Laboratory Services for the Medical Bureau of the U.S. State Department in Abu Dhabi. Ryan shares his unconventional path to success, starting from dropping out of high school to finding his footing at Butler Community College, and ultimately achieving his dream job with the State Department. Ryan discusses the academic challenges he faced and how Butler's supportive environment with small class sizes helped him overcome them and gain the academic confidence he never had before.

He highlights the unique opportunities Butler offered, such as personalized attention from professors and the flexibility to work full-time while studying. Ryan also shares anecdotes from his captivating career, including memorable experiences in Mongolia and Senegal, emphasizing the global impact of his work in laboratory services.

The conversation delves into the perception of community colleges and the invaluable opportunities they provide, debunking misconceptions that community college degrees are less valuable. Ryan's journey is a testament to the belief that with hard work and determination, anyone can achieve their dreams, regardless of their starting point. Tune in for an inspiring story of resilience, perseverance, and the transformative power of education.

In this episode of Bear Tracks, Hayley sits down with head brewer Rick Goehring from Walnut River Brewing Company and discuss the strong community ties between the brewery, the city of El Dorado, and local colleges including Butler. Rick shares insights into Walnut River's history, its partnership with the college, and their commitment to giving back through events and educational courses.

Highlighting an upcoming homebrewing course in October, Rick provides details on how creative and scientifically-minded individuals can sign up.

To learn more or to register, interested individuals can email info@walnutriverbrewing.com or visit the Career and Workforce Education Department on the butlercc.edu website.

In the inaugural episode of 'Bear Tracks,' Butler Community College's official podcast, host Hayley Hobbs introduces Kate Garnes, a former Butler student and current motivational speaker. Kate shares her inspiring journey from her humble beginnings in Missouri to attending Butler Community College and Wichita State University before landing her dream job at Disney.

Reflecting on her time at Butler, Kate highlights the college's significant impact on her, particularly the supportive community, dedicated staff, and robust vocal music department. These foundational experiences helped shape her work ethic and confidence, which were crucial to her later success.

Kate discusses the challenges and realizations she faced in her career, including the pivotal moment she decided to transition into motivational speaking. She also touches upon Generation Z's unique qualities and struggles, offering insights into how Butler's nurturing environment can help students thrive. The episode concludes with Kate's current endeavors and her ongoing appreciation of Butler's influence on her personal and professional growth.