Last updated on October 26, 2018
By: Yvonne Nachtigal
Volunteer State Community College Spanish major Ch’Mar Butler loves language.
“I love to speak and read, also write. It helps stimulate me,” said Butler.
Butler was eight credits from his degree and took advantage of the TN Reconnect program to return to college.
“I know the benefits of a degree. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for Reconnect,” said Butler.
Butler is a classically trained tenor who sang for President Clinton.
Originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Butler went directly to Tougaloo College in Mississippi after high school. He received a scholarship for singing in his school’s concert choir.
Butler says his college experience now is much different from when he was younger.
“People were more involved on campus then. Clubs, organizations. I mean, they’re still here, but not with the fervor they had,” said Butler.
He is vice president of the Black Student Union formerly AASU, which will be meeting Wednesdays at 11 a.m., in the Woods Campus Center building, beginning the week after fall break.
Butler has been married for 14 years to his wife, Keesha, and the couple has four children.
“Being married and working full-time. It’s a challenge to find time for school,” said Butler.
Having formerly worked as an entrepreneur, he is now a bilingual insurance analyst. His goal is to be a translator for the court system, go abroad and teach English in Spanish speaking countries.
He encourages students to step out and be more involved at college.
“Go out for that club, say hi to that person you think is cool. It’s ok to be afraid use that fear. Because once it’s over, it’s over. Regrets can be haunting and unforgiving,” said Butler.
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