EDUCATION

Bachelor of Science, Mass Communications, Public Relations emphasis
Minnesota State University, Mankato, '02

Master of Arts, Sport Management
Minnesota State University, Mankato, '08

ABOUT BRIAN

I was raised in the small, southwestern Minnesota town of Fulda and came to Minnesota State Mankato in 1997. While a student, I competed for the Maverick wrestling team and participated in the choral program, even getting a chance to tour and sing in Italy and France.

I worked in the Maverick Athletic department for 10 years before pursuing endeavors outside higher education. However, my belief in the value of a liberal arts education and my appreciation for my Minnesota State Mankato experience brought me back in 2019 to work on behalf of our amazing students and faculty. There is nothing I enjoy more than hearing the stories of my fellow alums and finding out how they would like to help the current generation of students change the world.

My wife (an alumna) and I have been married nine years and are parents to three young children.

FOR FUN

The best piece of advice I've ever been given is that if you are the smartest person in the room, find another room.

My favorite inspirational quote is “The true meaning of life is to plant trees under whose shade you do not expect to sit." – Nelson Henderson

If I won the lottery tomorrow, I'd start a cattle ranch in Texas. And, you know, keep working here.

The most important thing I learned in college is that personal growth does not happen until you leave your comfort zone. More people lived in my residence hall than in my hometown and I quickly realized how big my world could become if I opened myself up to new experiences and new people. Life is a garden…dig it!