Presbyterian College alumnus and psychology professor carries on legacy of those who came before him
A Presbyterian College graduate himself, Dr. Drew Brandel returned to his alma mater’s psychology department as a professor in the Fall of 2019.
Unsure of his career path when he arrived at PC, Brandel credits his interest in the field to his sophomore year Intro to Psychology class with Dr. Jerry Frey, where he first fell in love with the content.
“I was thinking maybe I wanted to be an elementary school teacher, and then I discovered psych and really loved it,” he said. “And then I found out about school psychology. That seemed to combine my interest in education and my new interest in psychology.”
Returning to His Roots
In 2019, Brandel came across a job posting for a psychology professor at PC. He reached out to Dr. Brooke Spatta, the department chair and his former professor and advisor, who encouraged him to apply, and the rest is history.
He had always known that if he went into teaching, he wanted to be at a small liberal arts school, so this was the perfect opportunity.
“I was able to experience for myself that if a student is really willing to put in the work, the education, the one-on-one support, and the preparation for post-PC life can be really special here,” he said. “So, I was excited about being able to potentially play that role as a professor, as a mentor, a research advisor.”
Another incredible aspect of Brandel’s return to PC has been the opportunity to reconnect with former professors, this time as colleagues, such as Dr. Spatta and Dr. Stefan Wiecki, his former history professor and honors research advisor.
I was able to experience for myself that if a student is really willing to put in the work, the education, the one-on-one support, and the preparation for post-PC life can be really special here. So, I was excited about being able to potentially play that role as a professor, as a mentor, a research advisor.”
Dr. Drew Brandel ’13
Carrying on a Legacy
Brandel spoke fondly of his relationship with professor emerita Dr. Ann Stidham, reflecting on her impact and legacy, which he now has the opportunity to carry on by teaching the classes she once taught.
“I kind of see it as my responsibility. I want to continue her legacy in the PC psychology department,” he said. “I even still have handouts and notes from the classes I took with her that I sometimes use in my classes. So, I kind of see my role as kind of extending her ripple effect.”
Looking Into the Future
When thinking about what his future at PC holds, Brandel is most looking forward to improving his teaching and mentoring skills. He’s currently in the process of developing a new Motivational Interviewing course for helping professions, as well as working to expand the Summer Fellows program to represent every department on campus.
“I know I have a ton of ways to improve my teaching and mentorship, so just having the opportunity to continue working on and improving those skills, and always honing them,” he said of what he’s most excited for.
