SUNY Delhi Welcomes Dr. Shai Butler as New Vice President for Student Life

06/13/2025 — SUNY Delhi is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Shai L. Butler as Vice President for Student Life. A nationally recognized higher education leader, author, and speaker, Dr. Butler brings more than 25 years of dynamic experience in student affairs, leadership, and diversity, equity, and inclusion to her role at SUNY Delhi.

Dr. Butler joins SUNY Delhi from Schenectady, NY, where she served in several high-level leadership roles in higher education, including Vice President for Advancement and External Affairs, Vice President for Student Development, and Chief Diversity Officer. She also served as the statewide Chair of the New York State American Council on Education Women's Network and is an executive contributor to HigherEdJobs.com.

Dr. Butler, known affectionately as "Dr. Shai" by students and colleagues alike, sees the role within student life as instrumental in empowering students to discover their purpose not only academically but also personally.

"To thrive, students first need to have their basic needs met, such as food, rest, safety, and community. From there, we build opportunities for engagement, connection, and growth," Dr. Butler says. "My focus is on student success through retention, completion, post-college career attainment, and meaningful college experiences."

Dr. Butler is the author of the memoir "Better. Not Perfect: From Hot Mess To Life Success" and host of a podcast by the same name, encouraging others to embrace authenticity and growth over perfectionism. Dr. Butler has been featured on NPR affiliate WAMC, WDQS Blaze Radio, and the Women of Color Rise podcast, among others. She brings a rich, intersectional perspective to her work and is a sought-after consultant and speaker on leadership, equity, and student engagement.

A proud wife and mother of three, Dr. Butler has recently relocated to Delhi and is excited to become an active member of the campus and local community.

"We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Butler to the Bronco family," says SUNY Delhi President Mary Bonderoff. "Her passion for students, her compelling personal story, and her record of transformative leadership make her a tremendous asset to our college."