Across the Hall: How Kristen and Brenan Wells Built Their Life at FranU

FranU Alumni Kristen and Brenan Wells’ relationship grew at FranU. As students, they learned how to balance challenging programs and a budding relationship, supporting one another as they transitioned from two kids in love to the professionals and partners they would become.

The two alumni met in 2002 through a mutual friend. At the time, Kristen lived in New Orleans and Brenan was in Baton Rouge. Their relationship began long distance, with alternating weekend visits and an early appreciation for making the most of the time they had together.

After the first date I knew he was a keeper,” Kristen said. 

Not long after they began dating, Kristen received difficult news. She had not been accepted into the radiology program she applied to due to a large applicant pool. Wanting to support her, Brenan drove to see her, and they spoke about a radiologic technology program at what was then Our Lady of the Lake (OLOL) College in Baton Rouge.  

“That conversation changed everything,” Brenan said. “Kristen decided then and there that she would move to Baton Rouge and enroll.” 

While Kristen pursued radiologic technology with clear purpose, Brenan was still figuring things out. After attending an open house at OLOL College, he discovered the Emergency Health Sciences program.

“For the first time, something really clicked,” he said. Brenan applied and joined the last class of the Emergency Health Sciences program. 

They spent their school days just steps apart. Their classrooms were directly across the hall from each other, which allowed them to stay connected even during demanding days.

“During school was the hardest time in our relationship,” Kristen shared. “But we were both understanding of each other’s dedication to the degree.” 

Even so, they found ways to enjoy what moments they had. One memory that still stands out is a campus scavenger hunt that quickly became competitive. “Both of our classes were determined to beat the other,” Kristen said. “We ended up all the same location at the same time and it was great and very funny.” 

Beyond the laughs, FranU created a strong sense of community for both of them.

Our classrooms being across the hall allowed our lives to really intertwine,” Brenan explained. “We got to know each other’s classmates, and it made our experience feel even more connected.”

Both graduated in 2006, and more than 20 years later, Kristen and Brenan are happily married and raising three sons.  

Their connection to FranU remains an important part of their lives. Kristen now serves as a radiologic technology faculty member and alumni board member, an experience she describes as deeply meaningful.

“Being a faculty member now in the same program I graduated from is such an amazing experience to give back,” she said.  

Through Kristen’s involvement, Brenan stays connected as well, keeping up with campus life and celebrating the University’s continued growth. “The relationships we built at FranU are still a big part of our lives today,” he said. 

Both credit FranU with impacting more than their careers. "FranU helped me become a better father, friend and husband,” Brenan shared. “The challenges taught me patience, balance and perseverance.”

Looking back, their love story is inseparable from their time at FranU. What began across a hallway has bloomed into a life built on commitment and community, a story that continues well beyond graduation, but stays close to home.