Minot State University
04/11/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 04/11/2024 16:41
MSU Q&A: An interview with Courtenay Brekhus
By Michael Linnell
University Communications Director
MINOT, N.D. - Minot State University Alumni Association Director Courtenay Brekhus has made Minot State her home away from home for over a decade.
The Burlington native graduated from MSU in 2012, worked at the University in the MSU Wellness Center, and is now in the Advancement office, and has taught various kinesiology courses.
Alongside her two MSU degrees in athletic training and corporate fitness, Brekhus earned a master's in kinesiology from A.T. Still University and is a certified athletic trainer. Among her accomplishments are being named the MSU Athletic Training Student of the Year in 2012 and receiving the MSU High Five Award in 2017. Brekhus also played an integral role in starting the MSU AED Access Plan to get AEDs in every building on campus.
Minot State's University Communications interviewed Brekhus to learn more about her career at MSU.
You were named the Alumni Association director in June, how has the transition gone?
CB: I would say it's been a pretty great transition - my prior campus knowledge, combined with the expertise and guidance from a pretty stellar advancement team, has made the transition seamless. I've been blessed to have a great working relationship with Janna McKechnie '14, past alumni director, who has offered her insights when I have questions.
What do you miss the most from your time in the Wellness Center?
CB: The atmosphere. It's so vibrant, always busy and loud, and students see it as a safe space to escape the pressures of academics and other life stressors. I had a lot of meaningful conversations with students in my past role and got to know many of them on a deeper level. However, I do still teach one academic class and one fitness class at the Wellness Center; I couldn't just make a clean break! This gives me another way to continue to connect with students.
What are some areas you enjoy the most about your position in advancement?
CB: There's a lot I could say here… First and foremost, my job is a lot of FUN. Who doesn't love to throw a good party?! I love event planning, marketing, and networking with businesses and individuals in the community. There are some added benefits of traveling for our socials, and, of course, visiting with our proud alumni has to be at the top of my list. It's so fun to get to know new people and find connections with them. Hearing stories about MSU in the past is something that not everyone gets to hear all the time. I'm really looking forward to putting on our annual Gala. It's definitely going to be a large undertaking with big shoes to fill, but I'm up for the challenge. Finally, I truly love working with "The A-Team." We've got a pretty special group.
What are some new initiatives you've implemented as alumni association director, and can you give us a sneak peek of something new on the horizon?
CB: As a mother of young children and a friend to many alumni who also have young children, I'm trying to incorporate some more family-focused events. We have so many opportunities to partner with organizations in the community to bring MSU families a unique, family friendly experience. We hosted MSU Day at Berry Acres Pumpkin Patch in the fall, and I'm really excited to partner with Bravera Bank to sponsor MSU Night at the Magic City Discovery Center in April. All MSU alumni and friends (and family members) will get to discover the magic of the center, enjoy some beaver-themed art projects, and get a chance to take a photo with Buckshot!
You earned your undergrad at Minot State and have held two positions here. What is it that you believe makes this a special place?
CB: Our people are MSU's greatest asset, without a doubt. It feels like home. There's nowhere else I'd rather be.
What are some of the areas that made you choose Minot State in the beginning?
CB: To be honest, I followed my coach, Johnna (Lewis) Torr '04, from Williston State when she got the volleyball coaching job here at MSU. It was exciting for me to come back home and be closer to family (not that I was ever that far away). It was an added bonus that the athletic training program was just about to get off the ground, and that really caught my interest.
You teach a couple of classes on campus; tell us about what those are and why teaching has been of interest to you?
CB: I used to teach three different classes in the kinesiology program, but I scaled that back to only one since I'm in a new role. I'm still teaching the one class that I've taught since 2015, KIN 441: Evaluation of Psychomotor Performance. This class keeps me connected to my roots in exercise science and allows me the opportunity to leave a lasting impact on students. I'm also still teaching a fitness class so I can keep in touch with the staff at the Wellness Center and build a fun workout into my week.
Tell us about your life outside of work: family, hobbies, or other areas of interest.
CB: I am happily married to Dakota Brekhus '18, an Army veteran, MSU grad, and now an assistant golf coach at Minot State. We have three girls who keep us very busy: Avery (9), Stella (4), and Parker (1). Dakota and I love to cook ethnic food together, travel when we can, go golfing, shoot pool or throw darts in the basement, and enjoy a nice glass of wine while listening to our collection of vinyl records. I still play recreation basketball and volleyball with friends, and I enjoy spending time with family, which typically involves playing some type of game, usually pinochle. If you know me, you might say I'm a little bit competitive, but mostly, I like to enjoy life and have fun!
What else are we missing in telling your story?
CB: I have to give a shout-out to Terry (Ferebee) Eckmann '81/'82, Heather Golly '96, and Paul Brekke. They have been my biggest supporters and mentors throughout my education and career so far at MSU. I would not be who I am today without their positivity, leadership, and friendship.
About Minot State University
Minot State University is a public university dedicated to excellence in education, scholarship, and community engagement achieved through rigorous academic experiences, active learning environments, commitment to public service, and a vibrant campus life.
Published: 04/11/24