NEWS RELEASE – For immediate release
Date: May 10, 2024
Contact: Salvatore Abbate
Email: Salvatore.Abbate@solano.edu

New Superintendent-President

Fairfield, CA – At the May 15, 2024 Governing Board meeting, trustees will vote on the contract for Dr. Kellie Sims Butler to serve as the next Superintendent-President for Solano Community College.  Dr. Butler has nearly 25 years of experience in higher education. She has served in the classroom, as a classified professional and as an administrator. Dr. Butler was an Assistant Professor of Political Science at Penn State, Executive Director of the Civic Engagement Center and Undergraduate Research and Fellowships at Rice University, Assistant Dean of the Graduate Division at UC Davis, and Dean of Student Services at Folsom Lake College. Currently, she serves as Vice President for Student Services at Folsom Lake College. Dr. Butler holds both a Ph.D. and Master’s in Political Science from Rice University in Houston, TX, and a Bachelor’s (Magna Cum Laude) in Political Science from Texas A&M University in College Station, TX.

Among her scholarly achievements, Dr. Butler has been awarded prestigious fellowships including the National Science Foundation Dissertation Fellowship and the Ford Foundation Dissertation Fellowship. She was also named to the USA Today All-USA College Academic Team, demonstrating her exceptional academic prowess.

Further underscoring her dedication to public service, Dr. Butler received the Harry S. Truman Scholarship, awarded to only 62 college juniors nationwide annually, recognizing those committed to public service leadership.

Most recently, Dr. Butler was recognized as an Equity-Focused Student Leader in California, an honor bestowed by the California Futures Foundation in collaboration with the California Guided Pathways Project (CAGP) and the Ada Center, highlighting her commitment to fostering inclusive and supportive environments that enhance student success.

Denis Honeychurch, J.D., President of the Solano Community College Governing Board stated, “The Board has chosen a uniquely qualified candidate for the superintendent-president position.  Dr. Kellie Butler has the skills and vision to continue the success the college has enjoyed under Dr. Esposito-Noy.”

Dr. Butler stated, “I am grateful to the Board of Trustees for this opportunity and deeply honored to serve as the next Superintendent-President of Solano Community College. With a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and academic excellence, I am eager to lead the college’s efforts ensuring that every student has the opportunity to achieve their dreams and reach their fullest potential. Together with Solano’s exceptional administrators, faculty, classified professionals and students, I am excited to contribute to the growth and prosperity of the surrounding communities in Solano County.”

Esposito-Noy expressed appreciation for the Board’s support during her time as superintendent-president and is confident in Butler’s abilities to lead the District.  “Working with the Governing Board has been a pleasure. I’m excited to watch the District grow under Dr. Butler’s leadership as I am confident that she embraces the values and commitment to serving students that are hallmarks of this District.  Solano County is very fortunate to have Dr. Butler leading SCC.”  Butler will begin her tenure on July 1, 2024.