Madisyn Butler didn’t choose the big city when it came time to choose a college.

A campus the size of a city didn’t appeal to her. An opportunity to be involved and grow was important to the Wylie (Texas) High School graduate. She found what she was looking for in Wichita Falls at Midwestern State University — a decision that would shape not just her education, but her confidence, experiences, and future.

“I remember telling my mom, ‘I don’t want to be a face in the crowd,’” Butler said. “I wanted to be somewhere I feel safe and can walk around, and I know people. And it was a place where I could get to know my professors, and that was important to me as well.”

Three years later, Butler leaves MSU Texas with far more than a degree. On May 16, 2026, she graduated summa cum laude from the Lamar D. Fain College of Fine Arts. She was also awarded the prestigious President’s Medal for Excellence and earned a place on the President’s Honor Roll for Spring 2026.

A Redwine Presidential Scholarship recipient, Butler fully embraced campus life from the moment she arrived in Wichita Falls.

One of her best decisions early in her time at MSU Texas was to participate in Study Abroad in Spain. She would definitely encourage students to think about doing that.

“I can be an introvert, and Study Abroad pushed me out of my comfort zone,” Butler said. “It was like, you have to be on your own and figure it out. That gave me a lot of independence.”

Butler spent three years competing on MSU Texas’ Model United Nations team, where she represented countries in simulated global debates. In April 2026, she helped the team earn Outstanding Delegation honors for its representation of Greece. Butler and her partner, chemistry major Shay Hayden, were individually recognized as Outstanding Delegates in the General Assembly Third Committee.

Each conference brought new challenges, but her final trip left a lasting impression.

“It was my last time in New York in who knows how long, so I took it all in,” Butler said. “We saw two Broadway musicals and went to the Empire State Building.”

She expressed gratitude to MSU for these opportunities.

“I think I probably wouldn’t have gotten to experience all those things if I had been at a bigger school,” she said. “I got recruited to be in Model UN.” 

She credited Model UN director Steve Garrison for preparing the team each year and helping students succeed on a national level.

Beyond Model UN, Butler immersed herself in the Mass Communication program. She contributed to media production projects, participated in senior production work, and spent countless hours in The Wichitan newsroom.

Her passion for storytelling and media was especially evident in the classroom.

“I loved my advanced media classes — filming and editing,” Butler said. “And I loved any Dr. (Jim) Sernoe class. It kind of became a competition to see who could find something in editing that no one else caught.”

Butler also made time for campus traditions and student life. She was actively involved in homecoming events — including a memorable lip sync victory at D.L. Ligon Coliseum — and found a strong sense of community in Sigma Kappa.

“We screamed so loud,” she said, laughing. “I was always really involved in homecoming.”

As graduation approached, Butler found herself reflecting on both her accomplishments and the uncertainty ahead.

She is still weighing her career options, particularly in broadcasting — a field she is passionate about but approaches thoughtfully.

“Broadcasting can burn you out pretty quick, and I do have a tendency to go 110 percent,” she said. “I keep reminding myself that my first job probably won’t be my forever job.”

Graduation was important to her. Going to college was an expectation, but she believes this is the part of her life where she has to figure out her path. And she believes her student experience at MSU Texas has prepared her.

“You’re not on your own, but you have to figure out what is your path because everyone is different,” Butler said. “I’m excited to be graduating from college, not everyone gets to do that. My parents were extremely supportive.”

Butler has returned home to the Dallas area. But she’s appreciative of her three busy years on a campus that allowed her to come out of her shell, at the same time, go see New York and Paris. Small classes and big-time experiences were perfect match for Butler.

“I’m so grateful that I chose to come here,” she said. “I think I could have thrived anywhere, but I’m especially glad I thrived here. This is where I was meant to be, and I’m thankful for the people I’ve met — people I’ll hold onto for the rest of my life.”