An Interview with University President Butler

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Embry-Riddle Community Meets Its New PresidentDaytona Beach News-Journal, used with permissionApr 24, 2017 at 10:28 PMBy T.S. Jarmusz: @TS_Jarmusz 
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — It’s not every day that students get to ask questions of their university president, so when the time came Monday night for them to do so they didn’t hold back.
But not until radio host Marc Bernier first had his shot at Barry Butler, president of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. The interview covered everything from diversity and the future of higher education to job security at ERAU and winters in Iowa.
A smaller crowd than what usually gathers at school’s speaker series had convened to hear what its newly appointed president had to say — and he didn’t disappoint. Though he’s only been in office about six weeks, Butler said there’s no question his decision to join the Eagles was perfect.
“It’s been fun. It’s been intense,” Butler said. “It’s been a wonderful six weeks.”
Having been intrigued with planes a child, Butler’s fascination lead to the pursuit of an engineering degree. As he was wrapping up his undergraduate degree, Butler almost went to work for an engine manufacturer, but a professor nudged him to go in a different direction: Graduate school.
“I never thought I could do that and this person made that clear to me,” Butler said.
The same professor pressed Butler to pursue a doctorate degree, and then, a first foray into higher education.
“Every step along my career, this is someone who has pushed me, encouraged me,” Butler said.
When asked why he chose to join ERAU in the first place, Butler shot back, “Oh why not?” and said the “stars aligned” to get him there. Having been in Florida almost two months, Butler joked he doesn’t miss the cold Iowa winters.
One a more serious ...

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