The Provost’s Office is excited to extend a warm welcome to Emma Brunton, joining the Health and Exercise Science department in Fall 2025!
What excites you most about joining Gustavus Adolphus College?
What excites me most about joining Gustavus Adolphus College is the opportunity to return to my alma mater in a new role. As a 2019 graduate with a B.A. in Health and Physical Education Teaching and a Coaching minor, it is incredibly meaningful to now serve as an instructor on the same campus that shaped me. I’m honored to share my passion for teaching and coaching with the next generation of educators – something I once admired in the very role models who inspired me during my time as a student.
Briefly describe your professional interests.
My professional interests center around health and physical education, coaching, and mental health advocacy. As a former high school Health and PE teacher and now a college instructor, I’m passionate about preparing future educators and coaches to lead with purpose, empathy, and evidence-based practices. With over a decade of coaching experience in swim and dive, I’m especially interested in athlete development, leadership training, and incorporating mental health and functional movement into sport. I care deeply about student well-being and have led initiatives like Hope Squad and Mental Health Club to promote connection and support. I also enjoy designing meaningful, organized curriculum that bridges theory with real-world application. As someone who integrates faith into my work, I’m passionate about helping students and athletes feel seen, supported, and valued in all aspects of their lives.
What aspects of teaching do you find most rewarding?
One of the most rewarding aspects of teaching for me is building meaningful relationships with students and creating a supportive, inclusive environment where everyone feels seen and valued. I find purpose in helping students grow not only academically, but emotionally and socially – especially those who may be facing personal challenges or need extra encouragement. Watching students gain confidence, overcome obstacles, and develop into more self-assured individuals is incredibly fulfilling. I am especially committed to fostering a classroom culture that welcomes diverse learners and supports the whole student – mind, body, and heart.
What are you looking forward to exploring or engaging with in the Saint Peter community outside of your academic work?
Having grown up in Mankato, I’ve been connected to the Saint Peter community for most of my life. I’m looking forward to deepening those roots by bringing my passion for health education, mental health advocacy, and youth support into the Saint Peter area. It’s exciting to have the opportunity to extend the work I’ve done in Mankato into a community that already feels familiar, and I’m eager to collaborate, serve, and build new relationships that make a positive impact.
If you could have any superpower (related to your field or otherwise), what would it be and why?
Tough question – I have so many ideas! At the top of my list would be language fluency: the ability to instantly understand and speak any language. I’d love to connect more deeply with people from all backgrounds and eliminate language barriers in both teaching and everyday life. A close second would be teleportation, how incredible would it be to balance work, travel, and personal life? Need a quick reset at the beach? I’ll just pop over on my lunch break!