Name: Jeff Butler
Title: Administrative Assistant
Department: Health Service
Where are you from? I was born in Texas, but have lived in Evanston for about 10 years.
What brought you to Student Affairs? I moved to Chicago from Texas in 2007 and found work when hired as a temp employee for the NU Undergraduate Admissions office. I worked that season but work completed in the spring, so I then worked in other non-NU temp jobs in Chicago. I was invited back to Undergrad Admissions in fall 2008 but that ended in spring 2009 so I again worked elsewhere in a temp capacity. Then I was invited back once more in fall 2009 and by spring 2010 I realized I should try to stay with NU. I was accepted into the NU temp pool and after a few positions found myself working for the NU Health Service in July 2010 which is where I’ve been since then.
How many years have you worked in Student Affairs at Northwestern? 10
What’s your favorite part about working in Student Affairs? I think there’s a definite need to be here by those that work in Student Affairs. We find purpose in what we do for the greater whole as well as what we do for students and individuals. As an admin for the Health Service in particular I’ve realized that I’m glad to help the helpers. My support gets to the students by the direct help I give to the NUHS providers and staff. Knowing I’ve made someone’s life better by my involvement gives me happiness.
What recommendation(s) do you have for someone new to Student Affairs? Talk to people. If you’re working remotely, this may be a more difficult task than it would have been otherwise, but try to engage in projects with those in your department as well as non-work communications with them. I was able to broaden myself in Student Affairs by working six years as a member of the Professional Development Committee (four years as a member and then two more years as a co-chair). I attended more events, met more and more people in this division and felt more a part of NU than I may have when just within my own department. I’d also suggest walking around campus more (if/when you’re on campus) because I constantly run into wonderful familiar people here, even this past summer when so many were remote but I was present on campus.
Who or what has had the greatest influence on your career? I feel guided in the way I’ve been able to move from point to point in my life. No one person has done it all, so there are many people and voices that have given me opportunities, inspirations, and encouragement to move ahead each time. I hold them up in honor and thanks and always try to keep my heart open to listen to the right things and the right people.
What inspires you? I get inspired by happiness and hope. Sometimes they’re not easy things to find or to feel. Sometimes it take others to give them when we ourselves aren’t feeling them. Lean on one another when possible. As the Bill Withers song says, “Lean on me when you’re not strong and I’ll be your friend, I’ll help you carry on. For it won’t be long ’til I’m gonna need somebody to lean on.”
What can’t you live without? I can’t live without the love and support of others. Those who give those two things get them in return, and I feel that’s what life is all about.
How do you like to spend your free time? I have been a performer since junior high when I discovered how liberating it can be and how happy it can make other people at the same time. I’ve previously spent time creating comedy with people on stage, in videos, and in writing. Due to this year’s shutdowns I have missed the camaraderie that brings (but I was fortunate to be part of a Zoom play performance last month, so it’s great to push beyond limitations and find new opportunities). I absorb lots of pop culture info as a collector of records, books, films, and toys while having a loving wife who sometimes hears too much from me about all of them. We also just got new dog (an 8-year-old Maltese rescue named Ruthie) and that is the great new friend I didn’t realize I needed.
What’s your favorite spot on campus? I have a few but here’s one for you to find: The garden tribute to Doris Stack.