Stephens alumna serves in Missouri house of representatives

It's no secret that Stephens graduates go on to do various and phenomenal things. Ellen Brandom is no exception.

At first glance, Brandom looks like one pictures a Stephens alum. Elegant and intelligent, Brandom represents Stephens and its ten ideals. She also represents the people of her district in southern Missouri in the state legislature.

Born March 29, 1942, Brandom grew up in Quincy, Illinois. After graduating from Quincy High School, she moved to Columbia to study at Stephens.

"My mother was an alum of Stephens. Her personal experience there convinced me it was the right place to attend," she said.

Brandom obtained an Associate of Arts degree from Stephens.

Brandom then studied at the University of Missouri-Columbia, she graduated summa cum laude, receiving a bachelor's degree in political science. Later, she went on to pursue a master's degree. Still, it is the educational standards she received at Stephens that Brandom attributes to her success.

"The encouragement and the real world education [Stephens] incorporates with outstanding academics is a sure formula," Brandom said.

Brandom spent 32 years as the owner of a petroleum distribution company in Sikeston, MO. After she retired from the company, Brandom felt a desire to make her state a better place and said she felt she could meet this desire by running for the state House of Representatives.

In 2006, Brandom was elected to serve district 160, which includes Scott, New Madrid, and Cape Girardeau counties, and she hopes to continue to serve her constituents by running for the State Senate.

"There is still much work to be done," says Brandom. "Together we have had many successes. I hope that we can continue in our efforts to make [Missouri] a better place."

Reflecting on her time at Stephens, Brandom remembers an instance in an English class.

"I will never forget my teacher walking into the room and asking us who reads the Columbia paper. Of course, no one did. Then she asked us, ‘Why would you want to live in a community and not know what is going?' That incident has stayed with me all these years."

Her dedication to her community, combined with a hard work has made her successful in both her career and at home.

A mother of two and a grandmother to two, Brandom has strong relationships with her family members. Their support for Brandom is unwavering.

Brandom attributes "A first class education, working extremely hard, and making the most out of all the opportunities that [came her] way" as central to her success.

She advises current students to do the same.

"Take advantage of every opportunity that presents itself in life more than in a book," said Brandom.