From Dropout to Diplomat - Ryan Howey

In this episode of Bear Tracks, host Hayley Hobbs welcomes Ryan Howey, a former Butler student now serving as the Deputy Director of Laboratory Services for the Medical Bureau of the U.S. State Department in Abu Dhabi. Ryan shares his unconventional path to success, starting from dropping out of high school to finding his footing at Butler Community College, and ultimately achieving his dream job with the State Department. Ryan discusses the academic challenges he faced and how Butler's supportive environment with small class sizes helped him overcome them and gain the academic confidence he never had before.

He highlights the unique opportunities Butler offered, such as personalized attention from professors and the flexibility to work full-time while studying. Ryan also shares anecdotes from his captivating career, including memorable experiences in Mongolia and Senegal, emphasizing the global impact of his work in laboratory services.

The conversation delves into the perception of community colleges and the invaluable opportunities they provide, debunking misconceptions that community college degrees are less valuable. Ryan's journey is a testament to the belief that with hard work and determination, anyone can achieve their dreams, regardless of their starting point. Tune in for an inspiring story of resilience, perseverance, and the transformative power of education.

Creators & Guests

Host

Hayley Hobbs

Hayley Hobbs, Director of Donor Relations - I am a 2009 graduate of Butler and have been working at Butler Community College Foundation since 2012 where I oversee database administration, event management, marketing and communications, and more. Recent accomplishments include writing a successful Bank of America Neighborhood Champions Grant and being recognized as a 2023 Wichita Business Journal Young Professional in Professional Service. One of my other duties as assigned jobs currently is leading the Centennial Committee as Butler Community College approaches its 100th birthday in 2027. For this and many other reasons, I am excited to be the host of Bear Tracks: The Official Butler Community College Podcast.

Guest

Ryan Howey

Ryan Howey is the Deputy Director of Laboratory Services for the Medical Bureau (MED) of the US State Department. He is currently residing in Abu Dhabi, UAE with his wife who is a diplomat for the US Department of Commerce. Prior to working for MED headquarters, Ryan served as a Regional Medical Laboratory Scientist (RMLS) in the Africa and Asia, as well as in the DC based MED Laboratory during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Before becoming an RMLS, Ryan graduated from the Medical Technology program at Wichita State University after obtaining all the prerequisite courses at BCCC. Ryan then worked at the non-profit hospital system, Via Christi. Building on his previous experience in phlebotomy he held a wide range of positions in their clinical lab ranging from blood banking to night shift generalist and microbiologist. After a total of ten years with the Via Christi clinical Lab Ryan’s tenure with them cumulated in joining the Transplant Medicine and Flow Cytometry Laboratories. After leaving Via Christi, Ryan worked for a year as a contracted with the Department of Defense in Afghanistan. Prior to joining the State Department Ryan worked for Adventist Health Northwest in rural Oregon and then in Portland as their Regional Quality Manager, overseeing all aspects of the accreditation program in Portland and in the regional affiliated hospitals.

What is Bear Tracks - The Official Podcast of Butler Community College?

Welcome to Bear Tracks, the official Butler Community College podcast. We are excited to use this platform as a journey to share stories from alumni, supporters, current students, faculty, staff, and community members about why Butler Community College is such a special place to learn and grow.

Butler is also turning 100 years old soon! The college is looking toward celebrating this milestone in 2027-2028. This is even MORE reason we want to hear from our alumni and friends about what makes Butler the incredible place it is. If you want to reach out to us, you can email the show at [e-mail].

Share your OWN story with us by writing in – and hey! Maybe we’ll share it on the show.

We're looking forward to bringing you stories and news from near and far about the home of the Grizzlies.