Originally from Jackson, Missouri, Brent graduated from the University of Missouri Science and Technology with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering and a Master of Science degree in Engineering Management. In 2003 he became a Civil Design Engineer with Koehler Engineering and Land Surveying in Cape Girardeau, where he was responsible for designing residential and commercial land development projects. In 2009, he joined Facilities Management at SEMO as a Project Manager, where he was responsible for overseeing construction projects occurring within the University. In 2011, he joined Robinson Construction Company in Perryville, Missouri as a Project Manager, where he was responsible for small to large industrial, mechanical, and piping construction projects.