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Objective

To provide leadership in implementing high-impact practices for inclusive excellence and student success

Mission

I work to empower individuals and communities to better themselves and the rest of humanity through education and civic engagement. I engage and encourage others to obtain, share and exchange empirical as well as experiential evidence that can be used to improve human capital development in the United States and beyond.

Profile

Analytical and disciplined problem solver who is able to design, implement, manage, and evaluate programs that achieve objectives 

  • Experienced college administrator, education researcher, and applied sociologist
  • Proficient in using a wide variety of both quantitative and qualitative methodologies designed to collect and interpret data as well as derive implications for practice and policymaking
  • Successful project directing experience related to survey design and implementation, program evaluations, and large-scale assessments
  • Adept at managing finances and budgets through application of business acumen and management skills developed during three years in the financial services industry

 Articulate writer and presenter who is skilled in quickly engaging audiences and colleagues, establishing rapport, and developing harmonious relationships with diverse individuals from all backgrounds, constituencies and organizational levels

Social Networks

Education

2009

PhD, Sociology

Princeton University

Dissertation: Race, Segregation and Diversity in College: How Precollege Diversity Experiences Influence Students’ College Preferences, Behaviors, and Perceptions

Committee: Marta Tienda (Chair), Thomas Espenshade, Douglas Massey

1995

BA, Business Administration (Accounting) and Sociology

Franklin & Marshall College

Williamson Medalist, Magna Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa

Work experience

Aug 2012Present

Senior Associate Dean for Planning and Analysis of Student Outcomes

Franklin & Marshall College
  • Design, implement, and evaluate evidence-based strategic initiatives that improve student access, transition, and success in collaboration with faculty, staff, students, and external communities
  • Identify and build relationships with high-performing P-12 schools and college access programs to foster pathways to F&M for high-achieving students with great potential
  • Review college application materials for each first-year student to provide early alert reports to deans and student support professionals
  • Direct student mentoring programs by providing professional development, advising, and resource support to faculty and peer mentors
  • Analyze national and student data to identify trends, resource needs, and best practices for short- and long-term student success
  • Leverage data analysis into policy and program innovations at the department, division, and institution-wide level
  • Provide assessment and evaluation services to administrative and academic departments
  • Lead higher education reform efforts by presenting at (or convening) national conferences that bring together educational organizations (schools, college access programs, and colleges) for best practices exchange, professional development, and networking around the issue of college access, transition and success for all students with a particular focus on students from backgrounds traditionally underrepresented at selective colleges
Oct 2010Jun 2012

Director of NAEP Background Questionnaire Research and Development

Educational Testing Service (ETS)
  • Direct research and development of student, teacher, and school questionnaires for the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), the largest nationally representative and continuing assessment of what America's students know and can do in various subject areas
  • Coordinate four-person team that delivers consistently high-quality questionnaires to provide context for assessment outcomes and inform American educational practice and policy
  • Collaborate with academic content experts, the National Assessment Governing Board, and the U.S Department of Education to reach consensus on questionnaire content in light of political and financial constraints
  • Oversee projects and contracts associated with NAEP questionnaire qualitative research such as cognitive laboratory activities and focus groups
Nov 2009Oct 2010

AERA-ETS Postodctoral Resarch Fellow

Educational Testing Service (ETS)
  • Conducting school intervention research to evaluate the effectiveness of evidence-based programmatic activities designed to encourage and prepare adolescents to pursue college and professional careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM)
  • Continuing research on the consequences of racial and ethnic segregation in high school on students’ preferences for and experiences with racial and ethnic diversity in college
Aug 2006Sep 2009

Project Director

Princeton University Office of Population Research

Project Director, Campus Life in America Student Survey

  • Direct longitudinal educational research and policy multi-institution study of over 12,000 college students regarding their experiences with diverse education environments.
  • Manage communications between and among collaborating college and university partners, primary research investigators, and sponsor
  • Oversee questionnaire development process and data collection operations
  • Conduct data analyses that include data management, data integrity reviews, and multivariate statistical analysis
Apr 2006Aug 2008

Evaluation Specialist

Princeton University

Evaluation Specialist, Princeton University Preparatory Program

  • Developed processes and tools for program evaluation and improvement
  • Conducted interviews with and solicit operations feedback from program staff
  • Developed and maintain student tracking database in Microsoft Access
  • Managed internal and external statistical information requests
  • Conducted ongoing projects related to outcomes assessment and program evaluation
Apr 2006Aug 2008

Forum Coordinator

Princeton University

Opening Doors and Paving the Way National Forum

  • Organized and oversee working forum for over 100 leading professionals in the field of college access, college preparation, and student support
  • Managed contracts and logistics related to facilities, catering, travel, accommodations, and Internet presence
  • Managed communications between and among advisory board, event staff, forum participants, and sponsor
  • Trained working group session recorders
  • Managed financial transaction responsibilities including $120,000 budget; successfully operated event at $15,000 under budget
  • Co-authored white paper that describes the challenges and strategies with regard to college accessibility for low-income youth
Apr 2006Aug 2008

Data Analyst

Princeton University

Data Analyst, Program in Teacher Preparation

  • Conducted data analyses--data acquisition, data management, data integrity reviews, and statistical analysis--for internal use and external evaluations. Authored relevant methodological and results sections of successful accreditation proposal
  • Assisted in alumni survey design and development of successful IRB proposal
Jul 2003Mar 2006

Senior Policy Analyst

APPRISE

Senior Policy Analyst, APPRISE (Applied Public Policy Research Institute for Study and Evaluation), Princeton, NJ

  • Functioned in project management and analyst roles in a variety of research projects including process and impact evaluations of assistance programs. Clients included the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the National Energy Assistance Director’s Association, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, the National Science Foundation, state offices, and utility companies
  • Conducted data analysis projects that included data acquisition, data management, data integrity reviews, and multivariate statistical analysis
  • Conducted complex interview projects that involved designing interview protocols and conducting in-person interviews with operations staff, provider agency staff, and clients
  • Conducted multifaceted survey design projects, which included questionnaire design and testing
  • Managed field operations for telephone surveys, which included developing and leading an interviewer training program, monitoring telephone interviewing, and serving as relationship manager for call center management, interviewers and survey respondents.
  • Authored research and evaluation reports
  • Developed and delivered presentations on a variety of policy related issues for audiences ranging from 15 to 40 people

    Selected Presentations:

  • 2005. "Energy Poverty and Household Wellbeing." Presented at the Low Income Agency Summit sponsored by Delmarva Power and Atlantic City Electric in Atlantic City, NJ on October 5, 2005.
  • 2005. "Energy Poverty: Effects on Housing and Household Wellbeing." Presented at the 2005 National Low Income Energy Conference in Phoenix, AZ on June 15, 2005 with David Carroll and Carrie-Ann Ferraro.
  • 2004. "NEADA 2003 National Energy Assistance Survey Results." Presented at the American Gas Association Uncollectibles Workshop in Washington, DC on October 7, 2004.
  • 2004. “NEADA 2003 National Energy Assistance Survey Results.” Presented at the NEADA Annual Meeting in St. Louis, MO on June 7, 2004 with Jacqueline Berger.
Feb 1998Aug 1998

Interim General Ledger Supervisor and Accounting Manager

Northwestern Human Services of Chester County

Interim General Ledger Supervisor and Accounting Manager, Northwestern Human Services of Chester County, Lafayette Hill, PA

  • Evaluated and restructured accounting procedures and internal control systems in order to improve operational efficiency and effectiveness
  • Implemented and performed monthly financial closing processes: including preparation of monthly financial statements
  • Created documentation necessary for monthly closing process, monthly account reconciliations, and annual financial audits
  • Instructed and monitored performance of other fiscal department members on newly implemented procedures
  • Provided knowledge and expertise regarding accounting systems and rules to subsidiary fiscal departments
Sep 1995Feb 1998

Senior Assurance and Advisory Business Services Professional

Ernst & Young

Senior Assurance and Advisory Business Services Professional, Ernst & Young LLP, Philadelphia, PA

  • Evaluated client accounting procedures and internal control systems in order to provide recommendations to improve operational efficiency and effectiveness
  • Supervised and provide on the job training to Ernst & Young staff members
  • Executed audits in a broad spectrum of industries with specialization in healthcare, charitable and entertainment organizations
  • Identified areas where audit or other services can enhance client performance as well as future audits

Professional Memberships

American Educational Research Association (AERA), Division J: Postsecondary Education

American Sociological Association (ASA), Education and Sociological Practice and Public Sociology

Aspen Global Leadership Network: Pahara-Aspen Education Fellow

Association for American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U)

Association for the Study of Higher Education (ASHE)

National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC)

    Publications

    2016. Butler, Donnell. “College Access and Opportunity” Chapter 8 in The Convergence of K-12 and Higher Education: Policies and Programs in a Changing Era, edited by Christopher P. Loss and Patrick J. McGuinn. Cambridge, MA: Harvard Education Press.

    2011. Christensen, Kathleen; Schneider, Barbara and Donnell Butler. "Families with School-Age Children." The Future of Children 21(2): 69-90.

    2010. Butler, Donnell. "Ethno-Racial Composition and College Preference: Revisiting the Perpetuation of Segregation Hypothesis.” The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science 627(1): 36-58.

    2008. Klugman, Jason and Donnell Butler (2008), "Opening Doors and Paving the Way: Increasing College Access and Success for Talented Low-Income Students." [White Paper]. The Goldman Sachs Foundation: New York, NY. Available online at http://www.princeton.edu/teacher/pupp/PUPP_GSF_White_Paper_Opening_Doors_02-09

    2004. Butler, Donnell (2004), "When Race Matters: The Influence of Sex and Socioeconomic Status on Perceived Racial and Ethnic Variation in College Enrollment," Race, Gender, and Class, 11 (3), 94-111.

    2003. Butler, Donnell (2003), "Heroes and Saviors Need Not Apply," pp. 151-157 in Be the Dream; Edited by Gary Simons; Workman Publishing Company.

    2000. Butler, Donnell (2000), "Studies of Artists: An Annotated Directory," Working Paper # 12 of the Center for Arts and Cultural Policy Studies, Princeton University.

    Selected Presentations

    2016. “Equity and Excellence in American Education: Setting the National Context for Mentoring College Students.” Presentation at the 2016 Cooperman College Scholars Mentor Orientation and Training; Newark, NJ; August 7, 2016.

    2016. “Bold Ideas for Better Serving First Generation Students.” Panel presentation at the 2016 KIPP School Summit; Atlanta, GA; July 25, 2016.

    2016. “The 21st Century Liberal Arts Education: Transforming Practice for Inclusive Excellence.” Workshop with Amy Mulnix at American Conference of Academic Deans (ACAD) and The Phi Beta Kappa Society (PBK) Catching the Wave: Energy and Renewal in Liberal Arts Education; Milwaukee, WI; June 25, 2016

    2016. “What It Takes To Get Students To and Through College.” Presentation at the 2016 EdLoC National Convening; Dallas, TX; April 28, 2016

    2016. “Diversity and Demographic Trends: Impacts on Access, Persistence, and Inclusion Initiatives at Selective Liberal Arts Colleges.” Panel presentation at the 2016 Consortium on High Achievement and Success (CHAS) Winter Representatives Meeting; Hartford, CT; January 27, 2016.

    2015. “What They Don’t Know: Reaching Underserved Students.” Panel presentation at the 2015 National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) Annual Meeting; San Diego, CA; October 3, 2015.

    2015. “Expanding the Student Cohort Model: New Initiatives to Support Inclusive Excellence.” Panel presentation at the 2015 Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) Annual Meeting; Washington, D.C.; January 22, 2015.

    2014. “A Standards-Based Approach to Metacognitive (Non-Cognitive) Skills for College Success: Distilling Existing Research.” Panel presentation at the 2014 National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) Annual Meeting; Indianapolis, IN; September 19, 2014.

    2013. “Equity and Excellence in Education.” Speaker presentation at the Process Oriented Guided Inquiry Learning (POGIL) Northeast Regional Workshop; Lancaster, PA; June 13, 2013.

    2010. "Ethnoracial Group Membership and Comfort on Campus." Paper to be presented at the 2010 American Sociological Association Annual Meeting; Atlanta, GA; August 17, 2010.

    2010. "Precollege Ethnoracial Diversity Experiences and Interracial Interactions in College." Paper to be presented at the 2010 American Sociological Association Annual Meeting; Atlanta, GA; August 15, 2010.

    2009. "From Segregation to Integration: Precollege Ethnoracial Diversity Experiences and Social Integration in College." Paper presented at the 2009 Sociology of Education Association Annual Meeting; Monterey, CA; February 21, 2009.

    2009. "Carefully Taught: The Effect of Precollege Ethnoracial Diversity Experiences on Interracial Interactions in College." Paper presented at the 2009 Eastern Sociological Association Annual Meeting; Baltimore, MD; March 21, 2009.

    2008. "Using Campus Life Research Data to Transform Institutional Policies and Practices." Presented at the Annual Convention of the American College Professionals Association in Atlanta, GA on April 1, 2008 with John Ford, Casandra Harper, Jennifer Keup, Carolyn Livingston, and Daniel Teodorescu.

    2005. "Energy Poverty and Household Wellbeing." Presented at the Low Income Agency Summit sponsored by Delmarva Power and Atlantic City Electric in Atlantic City, NJ on October 5, 2005.

    2005. "Energy Poverty: Effects on Housing and Household Wellbeing." Presented at the 2005 National Low Income Energy Conference in Phoenix, AZ on June 15, 2005 with David Carroll and Carrie-Ann Ferraro.

    2004. "NEADA 2003 National Energy Assistance Survey Results." Presented at the American Gas Association Uncollectibles Workshop in Washington, DC on October 7, 2004.

    2004. “NEADA 2003 National Energy Assistance Survey Results.” Presented at the NEADA Annual Meeting in St. Louis, MO on June 7, 2004 with Jacqueline Berger.

    2002. "When Race Matters: Racial Variation in College Enrollment Revisited." Paper presented at the 2002 American Sociological Association Annual Meeting in Chicago. Paper awarded 2002 Race, Gender, and Class Section Graduate Student Paper Prize.

    2001. "Diversity in the Classroom." Seminar presented at Princeton University's Harold W. McGraw Center for Teaching and Learning. September 6, 2001. Web resources available online at: http://www.princeton.edu/~djbutler/ditclink.htm

    1997. "Race Relations on Predominately White College Campuses in the 1990s: A Longitudinal Case Study." Co-authored paper presented by Dr. Katherine McClelland, Ph.D. at the 1997 American Sociological Association Annual Meeting in Toronto.

    Professional and Institutional Service

    2014 – 2016. Chapter President, Phi Beta Kappa: Theta Chapter of PA

    2011. Session Chair, American Educational Research Association

    2011. Panel Reviewer, National Science Foundation

    2010. Session Chair, Society for Research on Educational Effectiveness Annual Meeting

    Community and Volunteer Service

    2016 – Present. National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (Lancaster Branch), Honorary Chair of Annual Freedom Fund Banquet

    2015 – Present. Children Deserve A Chance Foundation, Board Chair

    Honors, Grants, and Awards

    2014 - 2016. Pahara-Aspen Education Fellow, Cohort 9

    2002. Princeton Woodrow Wilson Scholars Fellowship Prize, 2002-2003

    2002. American Sociological Association, Race, Gender, and Class Section Graduate Student Paper Award

    2002. Marvin Bressler Graduate Student Teaching Award, Princeton University

    2002. Patrice Y. Johnson Memorial Service Award, Association of Black Princeton Alumni

    1998. National Science Foundation Graduate Fellowship Award, 1998-2001

    1998. American Sociological Association, Fellowship Award (declined for National Science Foundation)

    1998. Ford Foundation, Predoctoral Fellowship (declined for National Science Foundation)

    Academic Teaching and Research Interests

    Education: Postsecondary Education (College Access, Transition, and Success), Educational Policy & Politics, Research, Evaluation, & Assessment in Schools, Research Methods

    Sociology: Sociology of Education, Sociological Practice and Public Sociology, Stratification and Inequality, Research Methods

    Academic Teaching Experience

    2001-2002. Teaching Assistant: Sociology 301, Sociological Research Methods, Department of Sociology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ (Professor Howard Taylor)

    2000. Teaching Assistant: Sociology 201, The Sociological Perspective, Department of Sociology / Freshman Summer Scholars Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ (Professor Patricia Fernandez-Kelly)

    1994. Teaching Assistant: Sociology 100, First Year Seminar: Power Sociological Perspectives, Department of Sociology, Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster PA (Professor Katherine McClelland)

    Academic Honors

    2002. Princeton Woodrow Wilson Scholars Fellowship Prize, 2002-2003
    2002. American Sociological Association, Race, Gender, and Class Section Graduate Student Paper Award
    2002. Marvin Bressler Graduate Student Teaching Award, Princeton University
    2002. Patrice Y. Johnson Memorial Service Award, Association of Black Princeton Alumni
    1998. National Science Foundation Graduate Fellowship Award, 1998-2001
    1998. American Sociological Association, Fellowship Award (declined for National Science Foundation)
    1998. Ford Foundation, Predoctoral Fellowship (declined for National Science Foundation)
    1995. Williamson Medalist, Franklin and Marshall College
    1995. Phi Beta Kappa: International Liberal Scholarship Honor Society
    1995. Pi Gamma Mu: International Social Sciences Honor Society
    1995. Alpha Kappa Delta: International Sociology Honor Society
    1995. William M. Kephart Sociology Prize, Franklin and Marshall College
    1995. Muhlenberg Goodwill Award, Franklin and Marshall College
    1994. Who’s Who among Students in American Universities & Colleges, 1994-1995
    1994. United Parcel Service Scholarship, Franklin and Marshall College, 1994-1995
    1993. Charles A. Dana Scholar, Franklin and Marshall College, 1993-1995
    1993. Albert L. Bell Accounting Prize, Franklin and Marshall College
    1991. John Marshall Scholarship, Franklin and Marshall College, 1991-1995
    1991. William Gray Scholarship, Franklin and Marshall College, 1991-1995