WKU Sociology & Criminology Alumni Profiles

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Ron Butler '19

Ron Butler is a recent graduate of the Sociology and Criminology Department at WKU, where he earned his BA in 2019.  As a non-traditional student trying to balance work, classes, and two kids, he really appreciated that the Sociology faculty were down to earth and understanding.  “I always felt I could approach them at any time and that they would be willing to assist me….And most importantly, they allowed me to be me!”  Another cool memory was in Dr. McClain’s class, “Is the American Dream a Myth?”  “I made a comment that ‘the American dream is real, but opportunities are sold separately.’  Later on, Dr. McClain gave an exam and told me that several of my classmates actually quoted me.  That was pretty cool because I literally just made it up sitting in class!” 

Since August of 2018, Ron has been working as a Client Relations and Clinical Support Specialist at the Bridge to Recovery (a residential trauma treatment center), which he absolutely loves.  In his words, “I enjoy having the opportunity to just listen and learn new skills and techniques from other therapists—and also to employ my own skills and techniques to help and serve our clients.”  Ron first worked in this field when he took a job as a Residential Assistant at Park Place Recovery Center for Men, which is an alcohol and substance abuse treatment center.  He worked there for four years, where he also completed an internship for his Sociology degree.  A friend then asked if he wanted to learn about a different approach to treatment and encouraged him to apply for a job at the Bridge to Recovery.  The interview went well and Ron felt appreciated and supported by the management team.  Since taking the job, they have allowed him to schedule his work hours around school, enabling him to complete his BA and now start a graduate degree in Mental Health Counseling at WKU.

If he had one piece of advice for undergraduates, it would be: “If you are going to work in the helping profession, you’ve got to have a passion for it.  Also, the most profound thing I learned from a professor at WKU (Dr. Dye, in Counseling and Student Affairs) is that, ‘In order to sit with someone else, you first have to sit with yourself.’  I try to make sure I’m in a good place spiritually and mentally every day before going into work.  This ensures I am able to be of service to someone else, which in turn enriches my own spirit.”