Academic Advisor Highlight: Brandan Beerli
- Student Ambassadors
- Jul 31
- 3 min read
Mikaela Campbell
McKay Student Ambassador
Early Childhood Education
Each of the advisors here at the McKay School want to help their students. They want to get to know you and help you succeed. Here you can get to know Brandan Beerli!
Brandan Beerli:
Tell us a little about yourself!
I was born & raised in Illinois.
I’m a first-gen college graduate. I ultimately completed my undergraduate degree in Biological Science Teaching, but that wasn’t anywhere near my original plans. I thought I would major in Business or Industrial Design. When I discovered those weren’t the right fit for me, I went into exploration phase. That lead me to the sciences, and eventual Biology. I eventually discovered that teaching was my passion and where I was supposed to be.
While I was working as a teacher, I decided that a master’s degree in School Counseling would be the best “next step” for my career. I found that got a lot of personal satisfaction with helping student navigate their own education and career paths. With a degree in School Counseling, I applied for various jobs and landed at BYU in academic advisement with Education majors. It’s where both of my loves & passions intersected. It’s been a very fulfilling career.
I taught high school science in Herscher, Illinois for 8 years. I coached football, volleyball, girls basketball, and track. I have a state championship ring as a football coach and coach a state champion shot putter.
My wife and I have been married over 30 years. She’s my best friend! We have 3 kids who all live in Utah. Our oldest is Special Educator and BCBA. The other 2 are currently working to figure out their life paths & purpose. I have been a musician since high school. I currently play bass guitar in a local band called Monkey Friday. We play rock & funk covers. We are a fun party band.
I’m a fan of everything Disney. I love the story of the life & career of Walt Disney. I’m inspired by his approach to life & leadership. I love going to the parks, watching the movies, and modeling customer experience & employee engagement from the Disney company principles.
What can students come to you for?
I advise for Elementary Education and Physical Education. I am also open to just talking about life, career and educational goals, music, sports, and Disney.
What is your favorite part about working with students?
Seeing them discover “A-ha!” moments and knowing that I make a difference in helping students be able to reach their highest potential as a student and future educator.
What's one thing you want every student to know?
To deeply and unquestionably know that they are a child of a real Heavenly Father who knows them, loves them, and is accessible to have a relationship with; that their brother, Jesus Christ, is the Savior of the world and has already paid the price for every sin, and they can become like Him; and that in preparation for the second coming, the church was restored with additional testaments of Jesus Christ and the return of living prophets to prepare us.
What advice would you give to a new student?
Know and use university resources. Ask questions and build relationships with university faculty & staff. Build a relationship with your academic advisor and meet with them early & often.
Anything else you'd like to share?
I love BYU & the McKay School of Education. I have a deep commitment in the mission of the university and college. I want nothing more than to see their success in navigating their university experience and becoming a committed life-long educator.
To learn more about the Education Advisement Center or to schedule an appointment with your advisor click here.
HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT EDUCATION MAJORS?
Come meet with us! Schedule an appointment here. We would love to meet with you!
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