By TISA MASON
Fort Hays State University president
Brennan Mills is not just a second-year graduate student pursuing his master’s in English online; he is a rising star in the Kansas City educational community. Brennan is currently teaching middle school English at Indian Woods Middle School in the Shawnee Mission School District, where he has made an indelible mark on his students and peers alike.
Having completed his undergraduate degree in May of 2022, he immersed himself in the joys of teaching. Brennan quickly fell in love with his role as an educator. “After the first week, I knew I was in the right spot. I had a great first year, and I was folded into a band of experienced teachers who were outstanding at their jobs,” he recalls.
That first year was not just about teaching; it was a foundation built on collaboration. His passionate approach to English Education was quickly recognized, and his school nominated Brennan for the prestigious Kansas Horizon Award. This award recognizes promising first-year educators across the state, providing them with a platform to shine.
Brennan's thoughtful and innovative methodologies caught the eye of his principal, Lacy Warren, who praised him for his commitment to fostering connections with students and their families. His weekly communication with parents ensures they stay informed about their children's progress and learning, bridging the gap between home and school. “Mr. Mills goes above and beyond to communicate with families,” said Principal Warren. For Brennan, teaching is more than a job; it's about respect, understanding, and building a strong foundation for each student.
Following the recognition by his district, Brennan's accolades continued to grow. He triumphantly advanced through the congressional district and state levels, ultimately being celebrated at the Kansas Exemplary Educators Network (KEEN) conference. Reflecting on his accomplishments, he shares humbly, “Award or no award, I would have kept doing exactly what I did, but it’s nice to be recognized.”
Brennan’s dedication to education didn’t stem solely from his classroom experiences; it also flourished from his adventures abroad. During the summer of 2025, he embarked on a transformative journey to Alnwick Castle in England as part of a study abroad program.
FHSU Alnwick is a 3-week, on-site, short-term faculty-led study abroad program located at Alnwick Castle in Alnwick, England, Northumberland. Open to all FHSU undergraduate and graduate students with any major, the program includes a 4-week online summer course with the latter 3 weeks taught onsite at Alnwick Castle.
Home to the 12th Duke and Duchess of Northumberland, Alnwick Castle is steeped in history and significance. Built after the Norman conquest, the castle has undergone extensive renovations to accommodate educational residency programs while preserving its historical integrity.
Renowned for its appearances in beloved films such as Harry Potter, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, and Transformers: The Last Knight, the castle also offers visitors a chance to engage in activities like medieval craft demonstrations, Harry Potter broomstick flying lessons, and archery lessons.
Encouraged by FHSU professor Dr. Perry Harrison, Brennan enrolled in two memorable courses: “Outlaws through the Ages” and a travel writing course led by Lisa Bell, director of our writing center and instructor of English and Modern Languages. The latter was a significant challenge as he ventured outside his usual writing style. “It was a refreshing challenge and an informative dive into a new genre,” he remarked.
Alongside his wife, Brennan spent three weeks exploring the depths of English culture and heritage, traveling from the historic Stonehenge to the breathtaking landscapes of Scotland.
As he balances his responsibilities as a full-time educator and a student, Brennan appreciates the support from Fort Hays State University. He focuses on old British literature and has taken several courses with Perry Harrison. He has also enjoyed his courses with Dr. Leuschner and Lisa Bell. “It has been rigorous but also par for the course. Having a full-time job, teaching from 8 to 4, and then coming home and working on graduate coursework. The professors have been super accommodating.”
His students are fortunate to have a dedicated teacher who enjoys engaging in discussions. Brennan introduces “Philosophy Fridays” in his 8th-grade English class, where students tackle big ideas through the lens of classical philosophers like Plato. “It’s a highlight of my week. It’s a way to engage with students on a deeper level,” he explains. He believes that middle schoolers possess incredible potential and curiosity, making them uniquely suited for exploring life’s profound questions.
Brennan Mills stands out as a dedicated educator and an inspirational figure for future teachers. With aspirations to continue teaching middle school English, he emphasizes the importance of the journey. “They are on the brink of everything, and the possibilities are limitless,” he says about his students. As he forges ahead in his career and studies, this remarkable educator's future clearly holds great promise.
Embarking on this exciting chapter of his life, Brennan Mills remains deeply committed to shaping the minds of his students and influencing the future of education. Understanding educators' pivotal role in igniting curiosity and building resilience, he states, “I hope to inspire future teachers to embrace their unique voices and foster environments where students feel safe to explore their potential. Education transcends mere knowledge; it is about nurturing critical thinkers and empathetic individuals.”
With a focus on collaboration, creativity, and the limitless possibilities ahead, Brennan aspires to create a legacy that empowers educators and students to dream boldly and strive for excellence. Through his dedication, he embodies the promise of education—a commitment to growth, learning, and the transformative power of knowledge.