Butler University’s two-year college will be named Founder’s College, after the abolitionist university founder Ovid Butler, the school announced Tuesday, March 26.
Abolitionist and lawyer Ovid Butler founded what was originally called North Western Christian University in 1855 to create a college focused on equity. From day one, the college admitted women and people of color in what Butler called his attempts to create a university “as far as practicable, from the pernicious influences of slavery.”
“Launching Founder’s College continues our university’s historic pledge to expand higher education access as a means of helping all people access opportunity,” Butler University President James Danko said in a press release. “We continue to be inspired by our founder’s personal story. This name celebrates his legacy and uplifts our university’s values.”
Butler University first announced its plans to open a two-year college in November. Butler will primarily recruit high-achieving Indianapolis students from underserved communities to Founder’s College. Should these students choose to transfer to Butler’s main campus after graduating with a two-year degree, they will be able to get a bachelor’s degree for around $10,000.
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The two-year college will award associate degrees focusing on business and health care, though more specific details will be announced this summer.
Interested and eligible students will be able to apply to the school in August, and the college will welcome its first cohort of students in fall 2025.
The university is currently searching for an inaugural dean for Founder’s College.
Claire Rafford covers higher education for Mirror Indy in partnership with Open Campus. Contact higher ed reporter Claire Rafford at claire.rafford@mirrorindy.org or on all social media @clairerafford.
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