Butler Tech is proud to announce that Nick Linberg, Executive Director of Strategic Programming and incoming Assistant Superintendent, has been named the recipient of the Bill Ruth Award, one of Ohio’s highest honors in post-secondary career technical education. The award, presented at the annual Post-Secondary Adult Career-Technical Education (PACE) Conference, recognizes leaders whose contributions have significantly advanced adult education across the state.
Linberg’s leadership has sparked impressive growth and innovation across Butler Tech’s Adult Education programs over the past seven years. He received an astounding eight separate nominations from colleagues across departments, a reflection of the deep respect and admiration he has earned throughout the organization and beyond.
“Nick takes the visions for what can be and makes them a reality,” one colleague shared in their nomination. “He is committed to ensuring that students receive the support they need to thrive, while also providing staff with the resources to excel.”
Under his guidance, Butler Tech has launched or expanded numerous programs to meet workforce demands, including Driver’s Ed training and testing, an LPN to RN bridge program, multiple Fire and EMS offerings, an online CDL class option, Utility Pipeline Technician training, and the high school OTC+ programs in Welding, CNA/Phlebotomy, and Medical Assisting.
“He leads under the guidance that it’s okay to fail forward—as long as we keep trying new things with the best interest of our students in mind,” said one nominator. “This mindset has instilled confidence among staff and built a strong team that sees the best in others.”
Colleagues praised Linberg’s unwavering focus on both student outcomes and staff development. “His leadership is not about micromanagement, but empowerment,” shared another. “He fosters an environment where his leaders have the autonomy to innovate and execute their ideas.”
Through his leadership, Butler Tech has reinvested in state-of-the-art facilities and technologies—upgrading nursing and EMS mannequins, renovating labs, and adding a robotics lab and a new system for the police shooting range.
“Nick’s ability to anticipate and respond to the needs of both the workforce and the student body demonstrates his forward-thinking leadership,” said Jeremy Lane, Fire and EMS Program Coordinator. “His dedication, leadership, and passion for education make him an outstanding candidate for this recognition.”
With his servant-leadership mindset, Nick continues to elevate the culture at Butler Tech. “He truly fights for the district to get students into our programs, so they achieve careers and change their lives for the better.”
The Bill Ruth Award cements what many already know: Nick Linberg is a transformative leader whose vision is shaping the future of career and technical education—not just at Butler Tech, but across the state.