Meet Nickolas Williams ’00. Nick currently resides here in Indianapolis, where his remarkable journey of leadership and service continues to make a lasting impact. Nick attributes much of his success to the transformative education and relationships he built at Brebeuf. It was here that he met his wife, Brandi Barnett ’99, and lifelong friends who continue to shape his life. With a legacy of Brebeuf alumni in his family and a passion for supporting the school community, Nick’s connection to Brebeuf is deep and enduring.

Name: Nickolas Williams 

Graduation Year: Class of 2000

Currently resides: Indianapolis, IN

Favorite class while at Brebeuf Jesuit? Civics class with Ms. Compton

Favorite teacher/coach? Mike Harmon (Head Football Coach), Brian Brase ’77 (Athletic Director), Eric Graham (Math)

My freshman year was Coach Harmon’s first year as head football coach. Prior to his tenure, the football team was not very good, and certainly did not win many games. The football field did not have lights, and Brebeuf had to play all of the home games on Saturdays. The class of 2000 had a talented class, and Coach Harmon had enough trust and faith in the younger players to start them at Varsity (as freshmen). That opportunity and experience gave us the confidence to help turn the program around. During our sophomore year, not only did we have a winning season, we also got lights on the football field thanks to gracious Brebeuf Alumni and the Athletic Director, Brian Brase. Brian Brase was instrumental in helping provide more resources to the athletic department, and even gave me my nickname, the “snake.” I have no idea how he came up with the name, but it definitely followed me throughout high school.

With Eric Graham (Mr. Graham), I took several of his math classes, and he always made the subject and content approachable. In hindsight, I would have never thought that I would be a Founder of a tech company focused on mathematics and teaching, but Mr. Graham was certainly influential in my mindset in regards to how everybody deserves and needs great mathematics teachers.

I have recently been hired as the Executive Vice President of Institutional Advancement for Martin University where I will serve as a key member of the President’s Cabinet, leading all aspects of Martin University’s fundraising, alumni relations, marketing, communications, and grant activities.

Additionally, I am an entrepreneur where I am Co-Founder and Partner of MathTrack Institute, an Institution of Higher Education/EdTech company that developed a tech platform focused on addressing the national shortage of K-12 math and STEM teachers through our professional development, transition to teaching, and bachelor degree programs.

Brebeuf Jesuit was transformative for me! In conjunction with the outstanding academics and phenomenal school culture, I was able to establish great lifelong relationships. Brebeuf is where I met my wife, Brandi Barnett ’99, and my best friends Jarvis Jointer ’00, Frank Lloyd ’00 and Mali (Woodrup) Bacon ’00 who are all successful entrepreneurs and making amazing impact in Indianapolis. I am passionate about Brebeuf Jesuit, and enjoyed serving on the Alumni Board for several years.

If everything in your life is under control then you are not moving fast enough. If things are calm and perfectly managed then you are not challenging and pushing yourself. Have a sense of urgency to be great. Never relax or rest on your laurels.