Tanden L. Brekke

Dr. Tanden Brekke is a Justice and Peace Studies Clinical Faculty at the University of St. Thomas. He received his Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership and a master’s in Theological Studies. Tanden teaches courses on community engagement, social justice, leadership development, critical consciousness, and critical whiteness studies. His research has resulted in published articles and presentations focusing on liberatory pedagogical practices. Tanden has extensive experience in leading place-based partnerships between universities and community partners. These partnerships are committed to building mutually beneficial collaborations based on trust, accountability, and reciprocity. Tanden has directed faculty to develop social justice pedagogical spaces and build collaborative relationships with grassroots community organizations and students.

Tanden lives in North Minneapolis with his four kids, Eva, Reilley, Annika, Micah, and his wife of 22(!) years, Erin. He is involved in the neighborhood as a member of the board of directors for the Folwell Neighborhood Association and a member of the Urban Farm and Garden Alliance. Through both of these organizations, Tanden is involved with the grassroots work of creating just, healing, and vibrant neighborhoods.

As a first-generation college student from a working-class family, I found a liberal arts education transforming. Through the liberal arts, I learned how oppressive systems are developed, maintained, and function. But, most empowering, I realized that people have worked to change their social conditions to develop healthy, thriving communities through collective action. My college education helped me refine my passion and knowledge to make a positive contribution with my life. Working at a college focused on using the liberal arts to build the common good brings me great joy.

Also, working with some of the best young leaders at the Dougherty Family College is truly an honor. My pedagogy is centered on creating learning communities where participants learn from each other and develop their capacities to make the social changes they desire. It is a great privilege to mentor and learn alongside these scholars as they develop their voice, knowledge, and skills to create what Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. called the beloved community.