Opportunity, Empowerment, & People Staff - Opportunity, Empowerment, and People

Dr. Shawnrece Butler joined NMU in January 2024 and serves as the Assistant Vice President for Opportunity, Empowerment, and People. With over 25 years of higher education experience, Dr. Butler is a visionary leader recognized for her exceptional achievements in disrupting traditional boundaries in order to meet the needs of people where they are at, not where others believe they should be. As a seasoned academic leader, she uses data-informed strategies to advance educational access, opportunity, and empowerment initiatives with a focus on non-traditional student populations, including students from populations with limited resources or academically underprepared backgrounds, pell eligible students, and first generation students.  She has a Doctorate of Philosophy from Kent State University and an MBA from Stetson University.

As the Assistant Vice President for Opportunity, Empowerment, and People, she holds a pivotal role on the President’s executive cabinet. Dr. Butler partners with University leadership to embed access, opportunity, empowerment, and belonging into the institution’s mission through high-impact practices, distinctive co-curricular programs, dynamic campus engagement, and strong community partnerships. She also fosters faculty, staff, and student development by facilitating open dialogue and encouraging the free expression of all viewpoints, promoting civil discourse and inclusive teaching and learning environments.

Born and raised in Detroit, I began my college journey at Northern Michigan University, where I studied Hospitality Management, Education, and Restaurant Operations. My early involvement on community boards in both Detroit and Marquette shaped my commitment to grassroots advocacy and creating meaningful change with the community in mind.

With a passion for youth development and elder care, I pursued a career in hospitality, focused on delivering exceptional guest experiences rooted in care and inclusion. I’m also deeply committed to advocating for marginalized voices; especially students; and believe that acceptance and inclusivity must be foundational values in our society.

As a non - binary Black gay person, I’ve experienced firsthand the realities of racism and implicit bias. These experiences fuel my dedication to equity and justice. With a Master’s degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs, I work to expand access to services and educational opportunities, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

I strive to spark transformative conversations both locally and globally, working toward a world where every voice is heard, valued, and celebrated.

Rooted in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, I’ve always felt a deep connection to the land and the communities that call I home. I began my professional journey working for the Department of Natural Resources, where I witnessed both the beauty of our wild spaces and the need to protect them. That experience laid the foundation for my lifelong commitment to sustainability and access to the outdoors.

My professional career has always been centered on care, advocacy, and inclusion. As a former advocate at the Women’s Center in Marquette, I supported survivors of domestic and sexual violence, an experience that deepened my dedication to equity and trauma-informed care. I carry that same sense of purpose into my current role as an Executive Administrative Specialist at Northern Michigan University, where I support leadership in the OEP office, Human Resources, Campus WellBeing, and Sustainability (SHINE).

I’m also currently pursuing a master’s degree in Administration of Outdoor Recreation and Nature-Based Tourism (AORNBT). My thesis focuses on the lived experiences of women in the local mountain biking community, exploring gender disparities in these outdoor spaces that have shaped much of my own growth and sense of belonging.

Through my service on the Sustainability Advisory Council and WellBeing Advisory Council, I help lead efforts that promote environmental responsibility and student engagement. Whether I’m organizing an event, collaborating with campus partners, or hitting the trail, I show up with a commitment to building more inclusive, sustainable, and restorative spaces - on campus, in the outdoors, and beyond.