Butler University

Butler University
Name	Butler University
Established	1855
Type	Private
Endowment	$300 million (approx.)
President	James Danko
City	Indianapolis
State	Indiana
Country	United States
Campus	Urban, 295 acres
Colors	Blue & white
Nickname	Bulldogs
Affiliations	Big East Conference
Website	https://www.butler.edu/

Butler University is a private university located in Indianapolis, Indiana. Founded in 1855 by attorney and abolitionist Ovid Butler, the institution is known for its historic campus and strong programs in liberal arts, business, and pharmacy. The university competes in the Big East Conference and is nationally recognized for its men's basketball program and its scenic campus anchored by the Holcomb Gardens.

History

The institution was founded in 1855 as North Western Christian University by attorney Ovid Butler and other members of the Disciples of Christ. Its original campus was situated in the Irvington neighborhood, reflecting the founders' commitment to abolitionism and coeducation. In 1875, the school was renamed in honor of its primary benefactor. The university relocated to its current site in 1928, acquiring land that included the estate of pharmaceutical magnate John H. Holliday. Throughout the 20th century, it expanded its academic offerings, establishing colleges of pharmacy and business and later joining the Big East Conference in 2013, a significant move for its athletic profile.

Campus

The 295-acre campus is located approximately five miles north of downtown Indianapolis in the Butler-Tarkington neighborhood. Its historic core is a botanical garden and arboretum featuring the Holcomb Gardens and the Butler University Botanical Studies Center. Notable buildings include Jordan Hall of Science, Clowes Memorial Hall, a major performing arts venue, and the Eidson-Duckwall Recital Hall. The Butler Arts Center encompasses several performance spaces, while the Reilly Room serves as a key student hub. Athletic facilities are anchored by Hinkle Fieldhouse, a National Historic Landmark famed for its role in the film Hoosiers, and the Butler Bowl for football and track.

Academics

The university is organized into several colleges, including the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the Lacy School of Business, the College of Communication, the College of Education, and the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. It offers over 65 undergraduate majors and numerous graduate programs, including a Doctor of Pharmacy degree. The institution emphasizes experiential learning through programs like the Butler Summer Institute and the Washington, D.C. Butler in D.C. semester. It maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio and is consistently ranked by publications like U.S. News & World Report for its undergraduate teaching and innovation.

Student life

Student life is governed by the Butler University Student Government Association and features over 150 student organizations. These include academic clubs, the student newspaper The Butler Collegian, and a vibrant Greek life system with chapters from the North American Interfraternity Conference and National Panhellenic Conference. Major annual events include the Butler University Dance Marathon fundraiser and the Spring Sports Spectacular. The university's Center for Faith and Vocation supports various religious traditions, and the Butler University Program Council organizes campus-wide entertainment and activities.

Athletics

The athletic teams, known as the Butler Bulldogs, compete in the Big East Conference at the NCAA Division I level. The most prominent program is men's basketball, which achieved consecutive appearances in the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament championship game in 2010 and 2011 under coach Brad Stevens. Games are played at historic Hinkle Fieldhouse. Other sports include football, which competes in the Pioneer Football League, soccer, cross country, and track and field. The university's mascot is Butler Blue, a live English Bulldog.

Notable alumni

Alumni have achieved prominence in diverse fields such as politics, entertainment, sports, and literature. In government, notable figures include former Governor of Indiana Robert D. Orr and former United States Senator Richard Lugar. The entertainment industry is represented by actors David Anspaugh and Sarah Fisher, while sports alumni include NBA player Gordon Hayward and baseball executive Theo Epstein. Authors Dan Barden and Booth Tarkington are also graduates, alongside journalist Jane Pauley and television producer Michael H. Price.

Category:Universities and colleges in Indiana Category:Big East Conference Category:Educational institutions established in 1855