First-gen Titan graduates in 2½ years, sets sights on law school

UW-Oshkosh senior Brooke Mullen, a first-generation college student majoring in political science, graduates this December after completing her degree in just 2½ years.

When Brooke Mullen arrived at UW-Oshkosh as a first-generation college student, she didn't know exactly what college would require or where it might take her. She certainly didn't expect to finish her degree in just two and a half years.

But Mullen, a political science major with a minor in law and policy, steps onto the UWO Midyear Commencement stage this Dec. 13 having done exactly that.

Finding her place at UWO

Mullen chose UW-Oshkosh because it struck the right balance: a campus large enough to offer opportunity but small enough to feel familiar.

"I felt like it was the perfect campus size with so many opportunities for growth while still having that close-knit community feeling," said Mullen, who is from Seymour. "It was close enough to visit home, but far enough away to feel 'away' at college. And the affordability made it the perfect choice for me."

She arrived with nearly a year's worth of AP and early-college credits and quickly realized she could accelerate her degree.

"I didn't come to Oshkosh planning to graduate early," she said. "But once I saw I had those credits, I thought, 'Why not?' And then I loaded my schedule with 18-credit semesters so I could do it."

Mullen is the second of four children. Her father, an electrician, and her mother, a paper machine supervisor, encouraged hard work even though a four-year college was outside their own experience.

"They didn't really know if I should go to college," she said. "They didn't know what I'd do with a college degree, because they hadn't gone themselves. But once I said, 'This is what I'm going to do,' they supported me completely."

Now, as she prepares to graduate, her entire family will be in the audience, cheering her on.

Discovering her path in political science

Mullen chose political science because she'd long been interested in government, law and policy. It was also a strategic step toward her future goals.

"Political science felt like the right major to build a strong foundation for law school," she said. "It helped me explore how government and policy shape our society and develop the critical thinking and writing skills I'll need in my future career."

Gaining confidence and a platform

Mullen found a turning point in her UWO journey when she became a Bridging the Divide campus representative, stepping into conversations she once felt too shy to lead. The competitive program through the Tommy G. Thompson Center on Public Leadership provided her with a scholarship to plan and host civil discourse events on campus.

"Pushing myself out of my comfort zone in that role helped me develop leadership skills and confidence," she said. "Learning how to create spaces for respectful dialogue and engage with students from diverse perspectives showed me that I could foster meaningful conversations and create positive change."

Mullen's path to Bridging the Divide started during the spring of her freshman year, when she joined the Civic Fellows program. Michael Lueder, director of UWO Center for Civic and Community Engagement, noticed her curiosity and drive and suggested she apply for the campus representative role.

"I was really scared at first," she said. "I didn't think anyone would care what I had to say. But then I'd see students nodding or telling me afterward, 'I learned something from this.' That made me realize I could actually make a difference."

Mentors who saw her potential

Several UWO mentors helped guide Mullen, including political science professor Jerry Thomas, whose courses in constitutional law and judicial process deepened her interest in attending law school.

"I've worked with many prelaw students in my career, and Brooke stands out as one of the most exceptional ones, in part because her analytical mind never misses a detail," Thomas said. "She brings together different voices and viewpoints in service of creating civil dialogue. She is already a community leader and a law degree will make her leadership stronger and more far-reaching. I am enormously proud of her accomplishments and I am equally proud that UWO has been involved in creating yet another amazing community leader."

Honors College Dean Laurence Carlin also watched Mullen thrive academically and as a campus leader during her time in the program.

"She didn't focus solely on getting to graduation as quickly as possible," Carlin said. "Brooke made the most of her time here by getting involved with student organizations, volunteering, studying abroad and taking meaningful leadership positions."

Mullen also thrived in the Honors College, where courses in social justice and interdisciplinary themes pushed her thinking. In January 2025, she participated in an Honors College study abroad to London course led by Carlin. It was her first time outside the Midwest.

"It was amazing," she said. "Dr. Carlin is the best tour guide. Everywhere we went, he'd point to a building and tell us the history behind it. It made everything come alive."

When she reflects on her journey, she sees growth she never imagined.

"I experienced the most growth when I embraced the opportunities that intimidated me the most," Mullen said. "Speaking in front of groups, leading events, those were things I never thought I was capable of. But the most personal growth happens when you embrace the unknown and discomfort. That's something I'll carry with me long after graduation."

Mullen took the LSAT exam in August and is awaiting law school decisions. She's still exploring which area of law interests her most but has considered family law as one possibility.

Her advice for future Titans is simple. "The most important experiences you'll have at UWO will most likely be the ones you least expect, so never be afraid to try new things or step outside of your comfort zones," she said. "That's what happened to me."

Learn more:

The Honors College at UWO
Study Political Science at UWO
Study Law and Policy at UWO