Butler University unveils new space for Founder’s College
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Butler University this week unveiled the space for its new two-year Founder’s College, 9,000 square feet of what once was the Christian Theological Seminary’s library.
Butler since 2017 has owned the building, among 40 acres of structures and land the university bought from the seminary. On the southwest end of campus, it has served as the home of Butler’s College of Education since 2018.
Butler describes its Founder’s College as among the first of its kind in the nation, an effort to expand access to students from historically underserved communities and increase affordability. Students can obtain an associate’s degree at little or no cost and complete a bachelor’s degree for about $10,000. Butler announced the endeavor in 2023.
“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 a news 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 Founder’s College space includes three classrooms, a conference room, staff offices, and common areas for students. Renovations were funded through private donations, including a $2.5 million gift from Indianapolis philanthropist and Butler University alumna Marianne Glick and her spouse, Mike Woods. The donation includes funds for operational support.
Students accepted into the Founder’s College can choose from among four programs: business data analytics, business management studies, health care studies, and youth and community advocacy. The majors align with high-demand careers and pave the way to pursue relevant bachelor’s degrees, the university said.
“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.”
Founder’s College is accepting applications for fall 2025 admission.