Watch Us Rise: First Nations Studies Graduate and Former Student Regent, Evan Brenkus
UW-Green Bay student Evan Brenkus wasn’t set on a First Nations Studies degree when he started his education at UW-Green Bay. “My initial idea of what I wanted to do when I graduated was to be a math teacher,” said Brenkus. In high school he took an Oneida Language class which inspired him to continue studying the language at the college level. Brenkus is also the adopted son of a mother who is a member of the Oneida Nation
The college-level Oneida Language class, taught by UW-Green Bay Lecturer Forrest Brooks, became a turning point for Brenkus. “He changed my entire focus because I saw how Oneida Language is like a living math equation, it’s like a living, breathing formula,” said Brenkus. “It’s so complex and I just fell in love with it.”
Brenkus decided to pursue a First Nations Studies degree while keeping math as a minor. His classes and interaction with the First Nations Center including Brooks and Associate Professor Lisa Poupart led him to the Oneida Language Immersion School. He began as a summer intern and soon became a teaching assistant for Brooks.
Then, Governor Tony Evers called him.
Brenkus with Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers.
“I got an interesting call from the governor saying that he’d like to appoint me as a student regent,” said Brenkus. The Board of Regents for the Universities of Wisconsin establishes the policies and procedures that govern the 13 universities in the state. It’s a significant role, especially for an undergraduate student at a regional comprehensive university. Brenkus ‘suited-up’ and gave it his best. “It was a roller coaster. There I was as an undergraduate student, sitting with 16 high-ranking executives, lawyers and doctors, sharing ideas.” He saw first-hand the dedication and time put in by his fellow regents, which influenced his perspective both as a student and a state resident. “I believe that the student perspective is essential to the decision-making process, especially since they are our customers,” he said. “That’s our main focus…being a student and making decisions for other students like me – and some not like me – for everyone. It’s been amazing.”
Balancing his degree pursuit, working with students at the Oneida Language Immersion School, and his responsibilities on the Board of Regents required extraordinary time management and dedication. Despite the demanding schedule, Brenkus remained committed to his studies, drawing strength from his mother’s teachings and support.
Combining his mother’s influence – “She’s my favorite person on the planet and raised me to be open-minded, caring and generous, sharing a lot of traditional teachings”- with his passion for the Oneida Language and the welcoming atmosphere of the First Nations Studies program has brought him to where he is today. While he’s graduating with a bachelor’s degree, he will continue to pursue learning.
“I’ve been accepted into UW-Green Bay’s Master’s in Applied Leadership for Teaching and Learning program and will start right away in the spring,” noting that his learning so far has made him even more curious, driving the desire to learn something new every day. He hopes to then join the Doctorate in First Nations Education program in 2026.
“Choosing UWGB and the First Nation Studies program has really helped me decide who I want to be and has defined and shaped who I want to become,” says Brenkus. “The advice I would give is just to keep that open-mindedness and the drive to keep pushing forward…everyone’s super understanding and very kind, but you have to show that you’re working hard and doing the best you can. It’s the greatest advice I can give.”
