Throughout its 126 years of continuous operation, Brenau has been governed by only nine presidents. Dr. W. C. Wilkes, the first administrator, organized the faculty and constructed the school's first buildings. He served as president until his death in 1886, when the institution was purchased by Dr. A. W. Van Hoose. The school was operated as a private, nonsectarian college by Van Hoose until 1893 when half-ownership was bought by Dr. H. J. Pearce. Jointly administered until 1900, the institution became Brenau when Pearce purchased full ownership. With the exception of a three-year period, from 1910 to 1913, when Dr. T. J. Simmons was associated with the institution, Brenau was continuously administered by Pearce until his death in 1943.

A faculty committee under the direction of Dr. Pearce’s widow assumed the leadership of Brenau until April, 1945 when Dr. Josiah Crudup was named to the presidency. After his retirement in 1968, came Dr. William D. Clark, then Dr. James T. Roger who served from 1970-1985. In June 1985, Rogers was succeeded by Dr. Hugh M. Mills Jr. as interim president. Dr. John S. Burd assumed leadership of Brenau on Nov. 4, 1985. After 20 years of leadership that saw the institution grow in graduate programs, student population, cultural offerings, building acquisition and endowment, he retired Dec. 31, 2004. Three days later on Jan. 3, 2005, Dr. Ed L. Schrader became the ninth president of Brenau University. It is Dr. Schrader’s vision to build upon the fiscal solidarity of the university to bring about controlled growth and maintain the quality liberal arts tradition that emphasizes critical thinking, global awareness and community responsibility.

Historically, Brenau offered courses in the liberal and fine arts. It still does, but in the late 1960s Brenau began teaching career-oriented majors such as teacher education and business administration that were compatible with the strong liberal arts foundation provided by the core studies. During the 1970s, the college created evening and off-campus programs designed for adult learners, developed graduate studies in business, education and public administration and added a Bachelor of Science in Nursing to its career programs.

In March 1992, the Brenau Board of Trustees unanimously voted to convert the college to university status – a status that better reflects its comprehensive nature. Today, Brenau University includes the Academy, a residential preparatory school founded in 1928 for young women in grades nine through twelve; the Women's College, offering traditional liberal arts education including more than 30 majors; the Evening and Weekend College which offers undergraduate and graduate degrees for both men and women; and the Online College which offers courses and degrees via the Internet.

As Brenau faces the future with an enrollment of more than 2,200, it strives to provide quality educational and student services through multiple units that respond to the needs of its students, as well as to the evolving demands of a changing society.