INDIANAPOLIS — Starting in August, Butler University will offer students the chance to earn their associate’s degree in a new two-year college.
Butler University officials unveiled the space for Founder’s College on Tuesday. The two-year college will provide high-ability students from low-wealth backgrounds a pathway to earn an associate’s degree with no debt or out-of-pocket expenses.
A news release from the university said that graduates who qualify may also receive a four-year degree at Butler “at a fraction of the cost with little debt.”
“Founder’s College is a bold extension of Butler’s founding mission—expand access to education and opportunity,” Butler University President James Danko said in the release. “This new space showcases our deep commitment to intentionality and personalized education evident throughout our campus. By removing financial barriers and providing a supportive, purpose-built environment, we ensure more students can see themselves thriving at Butler—and beyond.”
The new college includes 9,000 square feet of renovated space that once served as the Christian Theological Seminary’s library. The space includes:
- Three classrooms
- Two huddle rooms
- Professional development room
- Staff offices
- Conference room
- Common areas for students
Students at the Founder’s College will have full access to the other opportunities on Butler’s campus including libraries, dining facilities, common areas, Greek life and clubs.
The release said that the total cost of building renovations was funded through private donations, including a $2.5 million gift from Marianne Glick, an alumna and Indianapolis philanthropist, and her spouse Mike Woods.
Officials believe that the Founder’s College will be designed for students immediately out of high school or two years post-high school. Students accepted into the inaugural cohort of the Founder’s College can chose from four interdisciplinary programs, including:
- Business data analytics
- Buinsess management studies
- Healthcare studies
- Youth and community advocacy
“The Marianne Glick and Mike Woods Founder’s College Commons is more than just a space,” Founding Dean Carolyn Gentle-Genitty said in the release. “It’s a promise. It’s a pledge. It’s a commitment to help Indiana’s students author their own ending regardless of how and from where they began. Its close-knit setting reduces the randomness often caused by distance, offers students visible support, and puts resources within immediate reach from counselors and career coaches to faculty, financial aid, advisors, and even parking and food. From entering the space, the smell and feel is one of welcome.”
The Founder’s College is currently accepting applications for the Fall of 2025. For more information, click here.
