Sara M. Butler is vice chancellor for academic affairs at Honolulu Community College in Hawai’i. As the college’s chief academic officer, Dr. Butler will oversee instructional programs, academic support services, curriculum and accreditation efforts, and other strategic academic initiatives.
With more than two decades of academic experience, Dr. Butler most recently served as dean of languages, arts, and academic support at Crafton Hills College in Yucaipa, California. She has held administrative posts at the College of the Desert and Santa Ana College in California and faculty roles in political science at institutions within the City University of New York, California State University, and University of California systems.
“I am truly honored and grateful to join the Honolulu CC ʻohana,” said Dr. Butler. “I am looking forward to learning from my colleagues, the students and community partners so that I can support Honolulu CC’s dedicated faculty and staff as they play a pivotal role in helping our students achieve their academic and professional goals.”
Dr. Butler is a graduate of the College of Staten Island in New York, where she received her bachelor’s degree in history and political science. She earned her master’s degree and Ph.D in political science from the University of California, Los Angeles.
Jennifer L. Cumpston is vice president for academic affairs at Trident Technical College in Charleston, South Carolina. In this role, Dr. Cumpston will lead the college’s academic division, supporting instructional excellence, student success, workforce alignment, and strategic initiatives.
Dr. Cumpston comes to her appointment from the College of DuPage in Illinois, where she most recently served as dean of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Before that, she was dean of general studies at Gateway Technical College in Wisconsin. Earlier in her career, she was a tenured faculty member and chair of physical sciences at Oakton College in Illinois.
“I am honored to join Trident Technical College and become part of an institution with such a strong reputation for student success, workforce preparation and community impact,” said Dr. Cumpston. “I look forward to working alongside faculty, staff, students and community partners to build on the college’s achievements and advance educational opportunities that support the needs of the Tricounty region.”
Dr. Cumpston is a graduate of the University of Illinois, where she majored in geography. She holds a master’s degree in geology from Northern Illinois University, and both an MBA and a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of the Cumberlands in Kentucky.