Brenda and her husband, Jim, a retired teacher, raised their two children in Alaska where Jim had grown up. After moving back to East Texas from Anchorage in the summer of 1991, they settled in Longview. Brenda began working for LeTourneau University in September 1991. She moved into the University Registrar position for five years, from 1999-2004, then back to the School of Graduate and Professional Studies as Coordinator of Academic Services, and finally back into the Registrar's Office as Associate Registrar in 2013. Although her formal training had been in elementary education, she transitioned to higher education and remains dedicated to LETU through her work in the Registrar's Office.

Brenda and Jim's greatest joy is their children and five grandchildren. In 2015, they moved from Longview to the DFW area and Brenda began working in the LETU Dallas Educational Center. This move put them very near their family where they can work but also enjoy spending time with the kids! In January 2017, she began working remotely from her home. The McGhee's are members of Prestonwood Baptist Church. Brenda enjoys her volunteer opportunities through Prestonwood Cares and the the church KIDZ ministry in the nursery.