Brandy J. DeCoteau is a senior from Sisseton, S.D., with a double major in political science and history. Stepping on to the Northern campus in fall 2014, she quickly established herself as one of the College of Arts and Sciences' top students.

DeCoteau says, “I had always known that NSU was the university for me and it has meant a lot to me these past four years.” She has particularly enjoyed “the close connection between the professors and the students” that she experienced at Northern. With an eye toward law school, DeCoteau chose to major in both history and political science. “I chose to major in political science because politics, both on a local and national scale, has always interested me. I also chose to major in history not only because I have always loved it, but because it would also help hone my reading, writing and analytical skills. I felt that both of these fields were the next best step for me on the road toward law school.”

DeCoteau will graduate with honors in May 2018. She plans to take a year off to do volunteer work in areas recently affected by devastating hurricanes, either Houston or Puerto Rico. After that year, she hopes to enroll in law school with the aim of serving in the legal profession. 

Professor of Political Science Jon D. Schaff says of DeCoteau, "She is one of our top students. Her laid-back demeanor hides a penetrating mind that exhibits itself in her course work." 

History Professor David Grettler says that “DeCoteau is exceptionally adept at working with primary documents. She is particularly good at finding evidence, recognizing patterns and making conclusions.”