Marcedes Butler, Ed.D.
Research Associate
Biography
Dr. Marcedes Butler holds a Doctorate in Educational Psychology from the University of Southern California (USC) and a Master of Science in Counseling in Student Development in Higher Education from California State University, Long Beach (CSULB). Additionally, Dr. Butler earned a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ), in August 2021, further exemplifying her dedication to community involvement. Dr. Butler navigates the realms of both faculty-administrator, currently serving in the College of Education and the Department of Psychology.
As a Postdoctoral Scholar in Collaborative Educational Programs within the College of Education, Dr. Butler is a vital bridge between 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ and community organizations like the Boys and Girls Club of Southern Nevada (BGCSNV). Her extensive research expertise includes Mental Health First Aid, addressing critical mental health concerns within the local community. Recognized for her achievement, Dr. Butler won the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA) Region 9 Excellence in Advising - Advising Administrator Certificate of Merit in 2022 and the 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Administrative Faculty Committee Professional Development Award in 2019.
In her multifaceted role, Dr. Butler delves into the intricate interplay between academic and social factors shaping student success. Her unwavering dedication extends beyond the classroom, fostering inclusive learning communities and transforming educational success initiatives, showcasing a profound commitment to seamlessly integrating education and community enrichment. Dr. Butler actively engages in community-driven research on student success, demonstrating her commitment to practical solutions for real-world challenges in P-20 education.
Deeply aligned with 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ's Top Tier 2.0 mission, Dr. Butler is committed to community engagement. Her recent success in the 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Summer Programs Mini-Grants Competition secured support for the Compassionate Communities: Mental Health Training Program (CCMHTTP), delivering essential mental health training to youth.
Research Expertise
Dr. Butler's research focuses on student retention, persistence, and degree completion, concentrating on the influence of academic and social engagement on at-risk students. She emphasizes community-engaged research and explores initiatives like Mental Health First Aid. Her expertise encompasses ethnography and mixed methodology design.