Be The Advocate Of Your Education

In this episode of Bear Tracks, host Hayley welcomes Ron Ragan, a 1980 Butler alumnus and current professor at the KU School of Pharmacy. Ron shares his nostalgic memories as a student at Butler, discussing dormitory life, basketball travel experiences, and the personal growth he experienced during his time at the college. He reflects on how Butler served as an ideal transition from a small rural community school, providing a blend of rigorous academics and personal guidance that set the foundation for his career in pharmacy. Ron also delves into his professional journey, including his successful tenure at High Point University where he helped establish the Fred Wilson School of Pharmacy. 

As a faculty member now, Ron emphasizes the importance of student preparedness and active learning. He offers invaluable advice to prospective community college students, encouraging them to take charge of their education and seek help when needed. With heartfelt anecdotes and career insights, Ron's story is a testament to the enduring value of community college 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

Dr. Ron Ragan, R.Ph., Ph.D.

Dr. Ronald Ragan received his B.S. in Pharmacy from the University of Kansas and holds pharmacy licenses in both Kansas and North Carolina. He served as the Pharmacist-in-Charge and manager of a professional community pharmacy for five years, followed by a two-year tenure as a staff pharmacist in a hospital pharmacy, before returning to graduate school. Dr. Ragan earned his M.S. and Ph.D. in Pharmacology and Toxicology from the University of Kansas, with his graduate research focusing on brain signaling and age-related changes. In 1998, Dr. Ragan began his academic career as a Clinical Assistant Professor and Director of the Non-Traditional PharmD (NTPD) Program at the University of Kansas, where he was instrumental in designing and developing this innovative program. He was promoted to Associate Dean for Academic Affairs in the School of Pharmacy in 2004, overseeing assessment and the professional curriculum. His scholarly publications cover topics such as neuronal cell death, drug therapy, and pharmacy education methodology. In 2012, Dr. Ragan was named Professor and Founding Dean of the Fred Wilson School of Pharmacy at High Point University in High Point, NC. He spearheaded the design and development of the new school, including faculty recruitment, accreditation processes, and the creation of a state-of-the-art pharmacy teaching and research facility. In 2019, he returned to the University of Kansas as Professor and Dean of the KU School of Pharmacy, where he served for five years as the eighth dean in the school’s history. During his tenure, he navigated the school through the COVID-19 pandemic, achieved professional reaccreditation, returned the school back into the top 20 in the US News and World Report rankings, and saw licensure pass rates increase, once again placing the school in the top five nationally. Currently, Dr. Ragan serves as a professor at the KU School of Pharmacy and consults for academic institutions and pharmaceutical companies to promote excellence in pharmacy education, practice, and research. He has been an active member of several professional organizations, including the Kansas Pharmacists Association, the American Pharmacists Association, the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy, the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and the Society for Neuroscience. Dr. Ragan has also served on the boards of numerous health-related non-profit organizations and is actively involved in his community through various civic organizations. Dr. Ragan is married to Becky, also a pharmacist, and they are the proud parents of two adult sons, Sean and Scott.

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.