Signature Student Awards

Years ago, I never would have imagined pursuing a business degree after studying journalism and English in undergrad, but the CTMBA program and COBE have been truly life-changing. Thanks to the Bronco Corps internship program, I now work as a program manager at the local nonprofit where I interned, helping entrepreneurs access the resources they need to launch their startups. I am grateful to continue this work alongside my role as a graduate assistant for the Boise State Writing Center. Boise State and the College of Business and Economics have indelibly shaped who I am as a student, leader, and individual over the past six years. Cheers!

Boise State has been an incredible place to learn, grow, and build lasting connections. Through my experiences working at Walmart and completing a summer internship with Techtronic Industries, I discovered my passion for supporting and developing people in the workplace. These experiences, along with inspiring HR courses and projects, have shaped my interest in talent acquisition and employee engagement. I am grateful for the guidance of my professors and the support of my peers who have made this journey so meaningful. I am hopeful to continue my HR career in Idaho and represent Boise State University everywhere I go..

I am honored to be recognized as a Signature Student for the College of Business and Economics. The past five years have helped me develop both personally and professionally, supported by professors who have inspired and guided me inside and outside the classroom. While the journey has brought challenges, each experience has strengthened my problem-solving and analytical skills. The knowledge and tools I have gained through both my undergraduate and graduate studies have prepared me for an exciting future in accounting. I look forward to earning my CPA and continuing to build on the foundation developed at Boise State University.

I am a Signature Student graduate from the College of Business and Economics (COBE). My focus is now on making an immediate professional impact within the Healthcare sector. My academic success and nomination highlight my dedication to leadership and strategic excellence. I am fully committed to translating the advanced skills I mastered at COBE—including organizational strategy and effective leadership development—directly into my work. My goal is clear: to rapidly advance into a management position within my healthcare organization by leveraging the rigorous COBE foundation to drive operational success and sustainable growth from day one.

I am so grateful to be recognized as a COBE Signature Student for Fall 2025. As a junior majoring in Marketing and a member of the Honors College, my time at Boise State has been some of the best years of my life. The friendships, mentors, and opportunities I’ve found here have shaped my personal and professional growth. I recently earned my Idaho Real Estate License and serve as Event Marketing and Social Media Officer for the new Real Estate Association on campus. I’m excited to continue growing through new experiences abroad this spring and as I complete my undergrad

I am a Biomedical Equipment Technician (BMET) Supervisor, leading a team that services hospitals and medical clinics across the United Kingdom and supports 40 NATO embassies. I contributed to Medical Aid in Türkiye during the 2023 earthquake and was honored as Europe’s Top Biomedical Technician of the Year. I also serve as president of a non-profit organization dedicated to guiding youth in the UK healthcare sector toward leadership, informed decision-making, and strong career paths. Currently, I am a junior in Boise State’s College of Business and Economics’ Management program. I plan on using my degree to commission into the U.S. Air Force Medical Service Corps.

I am deeply grateful to be selected as a Signature Student for the Fall 2025 semester. The Cybersecurity MS – Management Emphasis program has been a transformative journey, shaping both my personal and professional growth. My best has truly come out of the blue—along with a renewed sense of curiosity, purpose, and passion for cybersecurity. As I prepare to graduate this fall, I am eager to apply the knowledge I have gained at Boise State to help build secure, resilient digital systems that empower people and organizations to achieve more through technology.

As a junior double-majoring in Applied Math and Quantitative Economics, I am humbled to have been recognized as a Signature Student for the Department of Economics. Playing an active role in advancing student learning in the department and leading the Investment Banking Club have taught me the value of building community and striving for excellence.

I am a Project Manager and DevOps Engineer at HP, where I develop and maintain systems supporting global research and development teams. At Boise State, I served as a Graduate Teaching Assistant in Project Management and Information Security, contributing to lectures and course materials while helping students connect theory to practical applications. I have shared insights on project management through invited speaking opportunities and aim to encourage my fellow MBA students. I hold a BBA in Information Technology Management, am a certified Project Management Professional, and am pursuing a Professional MBA. Outside of work and school, I greatly enjoy astrophotography.

I am majoring in International Business and Entrepreneurship Management. As a student-athlete on the Boise State Gymnastics team, I strive to combine my competitive spirit with my passion for teamwork, leadership, and community engagement. With the support of COBE professors and peers, I have been able to grow both academically and personally. I love connecting with others who share a drive for global impact and hope to inspire others to pursue excellence both inside and outside the classroom.

I am in COBE’s Master of Economics program on schedule to graduate in only three semesters. I’m here to advance my career in economics, and I plan to pursue roles in economic policy or local government. My time at BSU has strengthened my research, writing, math, and data analytics skills. I have greatly benefited from COBE’s excellent faculty, as every teacher has been a pleasure to work with and study under. As I prepare to graduate this December, I am thankful to receive my Master’s in the same month that I will become a father.

I am truly honored to be recognized as a COBE Signature Student. My time at Boise State has been defined by creativity, collaboration, and a passion for entrepreneurship. Through challenging courses, hands-on projects, and supportive mentors, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of how business can drive real change. The support and guidance of my professors and peers have shaped me into a more thoughtful and confident leader. As I move forward, I’m excited to continue building meaningful solutions that reflect the values and education I’ve gained through Boise State’s College of Business and Economics. 

I am deeply honored to receive the Signature Student Award. Having grown up in Emmett, Idaho, I have always valued the Treasure Valley community, and the opportunity to continue my education here has been incredibly meaningful. My academic journey has taken several turns, but it has ultimately led me to pursue a dual major in Supply Chain Management and Information Technology Management, two fields that align perfectly with my interests and career goals. I am sincerely grateful to all the professors and faculty at COBE for their guidance and support throughout my studies.

I am a student of Supply Chain and Information Technology. I chose these fields because of my passion for continuous improvement. The concepts of Supply Chain apply to every aspect of business and even my personal life. The knowledge and understanding of Information Technology systems go hand in hand with the Supply Chain to support decision-making through the management and use of data. I hope to use these skills to develop an efficient business that enriches the lives of others. I am grateful to the amazing faculty and professors who have shared their knowledge and enthusiasm for these subjects.

I was born and raised in Caldwell, ID, but moved to southern Alabama during high school. After high school, I headed to BYU-Idaho in Rexburg to pursue a degree in accounting. I did an internship at PwC while I was an undergraduate. After I graduated from BYU-I, I came to Boise State to get my master’s degree in taxation and to get the education hours required to become a CPA. At Boise State, I am a graduate assistant (GA), which involves tutoring undergraduate students and supporting the accounting faculty. I am very grateful for the opportunity to be a GA and be recognized as a Signature Student.

I am honored to be recognized as a Signature Student in the finance department. I am a senior graduating this fall with a degree in finance, a minor in information technology management, and a certificate in business analytics. My time in the department has been incredibly rewarding, from learning under amazing professors to participating in the Student Managed Investment Fund. I have loved learning about real-world finance topics and developing skills that will help me grow personally and professionally after graduation. After graduation, I am planning on continuing my education in law school.

Originally from California, I earned my bachelor’s degree in Economics and began my career as a middle school history teacher. My growing interest in personal finance and accounting during that time inspired me to make a career change and pursue my Master of Science in Accounting after moving to the great state of Idaho. I am currently working toward becoming a CPA, starting a tax internship for the upcoming tax season, and I look forward to combining my educational background with my passion for helping others achieve financial success.

My experience in the workforce has always gravitated towards accounting roles, which inspired me to seek a master’s degree. Coming back as a nontraditional student, I could apply my real-world experiences to the concepts I learned in class. As I have progressed through my bachelor’s and directly into my master’s, I’ve enjoyed exploring the different possibilities of the degree and learning through opportunities available to me by the department. The COBE staff come from a multitude of backgrounds and experiences, which have allowed me to explore different potential career paths beyond traditional accounting roles.

Moving from Senegal to Upstate New York and then to Boise has been a challenging yet deeply rewarding journey. I am truly grateful for the decision I made and for the incredible support I have received from the College of Business and Economics and my professors this year. Their encouragement has renewed my hope, not only in my academic career but in life as a whole. Thank you for recognizing me as a Signature Student. A special thanks to my parents, siblings, and friends; this achievement is dedicated to all of us.

I am honored to be recognized as a Signature Student by the Marketing Department. After earning my associate’s degree in high school, I was welcomed by the incredible professors at the College of Business and Economics, who have helped me grow and learn in my time here. As a Business Administration major graduating in May of 2026, I’m passionate about connecting people, ideas, and opportunities. I am excited to continue networking and growing skills in the time I have left at Boise State and, in the future, as an alumna. Go Broncos!

I am a native Idahoan. I originally aspired to a career in military service. I earned my B.S. in Foreign Language and Chinese from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. I went on to serve as an officer in the U.S. Army Transportation Corps. Due to unexpected circumstances, I  changed careers after my military service. I  first worked as an operations manager at an Amazon fulfillment center before pursuing an M.A. in International Relations at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies. After earning a graduate certificate and completing a majority of the program, I discovered that a career in accounting would be a better fit for me and enrolled in Boise State University’s MSA Foundations program. After completing the foundations portion of his program, I switched to the MSA, Taxation program. I am now confident in my chosen career path and look forward to beginning my public accounting career at Eide Bailly after graduating in 2026.

I am honored to be recognized as a Signature Student by the Department of Accountancy for Fall 2025. After arriving at Boise State undeclared, I discovered my passion for accounting after taking my first accounting course, and I knew it was the perfect fit for me. This department has played a significant role in helping me grow both personally and professionally by developing the essential skills I need for a successful career. After graduating in May 2026, I plan to pursue a Master of Science in Accountancy at Boise State and work toward my goal of becoming a Certified Public Accountant

I am incredibly honored to have been recognized by the COBE faculty as a Signature Student. I am grateful for the support of the faculty and my peers who have challenged and encouraged me throughout my undergraduate and graduate journey. This experience has strengthened my commitment to applying my knowledge to understanding and promoting equality through economics to create positive and practical change in the world around me. I look forward to applying all that I have learned, both academically and otherwise, to help nurture empathy and an environmentally-focused mindset in the world.

I am truly honored to be recognized as a COBE Signature Student. My time at Boise State has been shaped by the incredible communities I have built and been supported by, from leading the Country Swing Dance Club to working in the Study Abroad Office, to studying abroad in Thailand. Each experience has expanded my global perspective and strengthened my passion for connecting people through shared experiences. I’m deeply grateful for the professors and mentors in COBE who have challenged and inspired me. I am excited to carry these lessons forward as I continue to grow and explore new opportunities. Go Broncos!

I am honored to be recognized as a Signature Student for the Department of Economics. My time at Boise State has been shaped by curiosity, collaboration, and a drive to make an impact. As President of the Economic Association, a Teaching Assistant, and a research assistant, I’ve Fgained experience that has strengthened both my leadership and analytical skills. These opportunities have deepened my passion for understanding how economics influences policy and people’s lives. I plan to pursue graduate studies and a career with the Federal Reserve, where I can contribute to thoughtful, data-driven decision-making that serves the public good.

I am honored to be named one of COBE’s Signature Students! This May, I will proudly graduate with my Master of Business Administration. Working as a Graduate Assistant with COBE Career Services under my incredible professional mentor and boss, Laura Chiuppi, has been one of the highlights of my time here. I love creating meaningful events and connecting with the amazing students, staff, and employer partners in this role. I am beyond grateful for the CTMBA program and for my amazing professors, mentors, peers, and family, who have all supported me personally and professionally throughout my journey. Go Broncos!

I started at Boise State when I was 14, and I was very nervous about starting college at an unconventional age. As soon as I started, I met many supportive COBE staff and professors who have helped me in so many different ways. I have grown so much during my time working towards my double major in accounting and finance and my certificate in business analytics here. I am very thankful that I have had the honor of meeting so many wonderful professors and students, and am grateful to have been selected as a Signature Student.

I am so grateful to be chosen as a Signature Student for the 2025 fall semester by the Department of Finance. Between the hands-on learning experiences and the use of COBE career services, my journey studying here at Boise State has been nothing short of amazing. During my free time, I enjoy fishing and riding my dirt bike with my friends and family. Upon my graduation in the fall of 2025, I plan on staying and pursuing a career here in Idaho. Thanks to everyone who has been a part of my journey; I could not have done this without everyone’s support.

I am in the online Foundations MS in Accountancy program at Boise State. I started my master’s degree in 2022 and plan to graduate next year. I’ve worked in the Finance Department of a Fortune 500 company in Omaha, NE, for over 27 years. In looking to advance my accounting knowledge and skills, my research of highly regarded online programs led me to Boise State University. I’ve had a great experience at Boise State and have found the professors and program to be top shelf.  I’m very proud to call myself a Bronco!

I am honored to be selected as a Signature Student by the Department of Management. When I first came to Boise State, I was unsure of where I fit in and changed my major several times. After taking my first business class, I knew I belonged at COBE. I’ve gained invaluable opportunities to develop my professional skills and prepare myself for the business world. I am grateful for my professors who have challenged and supported me to succeed in this program. My journey at COBE has helped me grow immensely, and I look forward to using what I have learned to help me be successful in my future career

I am a Boise native. Thanks to my parents I developed a strong work ethic, as I entered the workforce when I was 14, working on a ranch. I managed restaurants for about 15 years after that. Towards the end of that career, I realized I wanted to do more in life and enrolled in college. This path ultimately led me to the College of Business and Economics at Boise State studying accountancy. I am grateful to have had supportive and knowledgeable professors during my time here. My education at COBE, coupled with my work experience has greatly expanded my opportunities.

I am honored to be recognized as a Signature Student for the College of Business and Economics. This program has allowed me to build meaningful relationships and engage with professionals in the business world. I am a double major in human resource management and business administration and plan to graduate in the fall of 2025. My experience at COBE has been incredibly rewarding, and I have always felt supported in my academic and career goals. I am excited for the future and confident that the tools, resources and relationships I have gained at COBE will help me thrive in my career.

With a background in early-stage business leadership, I have spent over a decade tackling complex challenges in fast-moving, resource-constrained environments. Pursuing my Professional MBA has helped refine my skills and fill gaps that experience alone couldn’t bridge, strengthening my ability to make strategic, financial and technical decisions that drive success. My current work in the sustainable energy sector focuses on advancing industrial-scale biomethane projects, improving economic viability and operational efficiency. I am grateful for the dedicated faculty, professors and peers who have challenged and supported me throughout this journey. It has further enhanced my ability to create a meaningful impact around the world.

What an honor it is to be selected as a Signature Student for the College of Business and Economics Department of Management. I am both thrilled and humbled. I am a retired border patrol agent, a Navy veteran, a husband and a father of four. I was drawn to Boise State’s management program after owning and selling two of my businesses together with my wife, Amanda. I wanted to learn how to take my small business ventures to the next level, and the online business program showed me exactly how. As a non-traditional student, I found earning my degree both challenging and fun. Go Broncos.

I am a senior majoring in business administration and entrepreneurship at Boise State University. Through my academic journey and leadership roles, such as running my own business and serving as VP of recruitment for Alpha Sigma Alpha, I have developed skills in marketing, event planning and business strategy. I am passionate about creative problem-solving and community engagement, which is reflected in my work with Girls on the Run and Special Olympics. I’m incredibly grateful to the faculty for this honor and look forward to contributing further to the COBE community as a Signature Student.

I am honored to be recognized as a Signature Student in the information technology management department. As a senior graduating this spring with a degree in ITM and a minor in cybersecurity, I am also advancing my education by pursuing an accelerated master’s degree in cybersecurity. This program has provided me with invaluable opportunities, equipping me with the skills and experiences that have led to exciting internships with major Idaho companies. I am incredibly grateful for the support and growth this journey has offered, and I look forward to applying my knowledge and making meaningful contributions to the field.

I am honored to have been selected by the Department of Finance as a Signature Student for the spring 2025 semester. Initially undeclared in my freshman year, I was quickly drawn to the Department of Finance by its amazing professors and engaging topics. Working on projects, such as the Student-Managed Investment Fund, has provided me with invaluable hands-on experience that will benefit my career. I plan to graduate in May 2025 with a degree in finance, a minor in marketing and a certificate in business analytics. After graduation, I hope to travel the world before pursuing a career in investment management.

After working in accounting for many years without an accounting degree and raising a family, I decided to learn more and expand my possibilities. The Master of Science in Accountancy Foundations Online program perfectly suits me. I have gained a rigorous education while still being able to work and keep up with family responsibilities. Even though I am out of state, I have enjoyed interacting with fellow students the most. Thanks to my terrific professors, I am now much more equipped in my current job and wherever the future takes me.

I am honored to be named the COBE Signature Student and Outstanding Graduate for the master’s degree in economics program. My time at Boise State, both as an undergraduate and master student, has been extremely transformative. With the support of faculty in the Department of Economics and the COBE Career Center, I have received multiple doctoral degree admissions offers and look forward to starting this fall. I am especially grateful to my mentor, Professor Rafael Ribas, as well as Professors Michail Fragkias and Kelly Chen, for their support in my thesis and doctoral degree journey. Thank you to the entire department. Go Broncos.

I am in COBE’s Master of Economics program and plan to graduate in only three semesters. I’m here to advance my career in economics and plan to pursue roles in economic policy or local government. My time at Boise State has strengthened my research, writing, math and data analytics skills. As a graduate assistant, I have worked with faculty on research and teaching, gaining new perspectives. I have greatly benefited from COBE’s excellent faculty, as every teacher has been a pleasure to work with and study under.

God is so great. I am incredibly blessed to have earned the finance Signature Student in my final semester, a goal since I arrived. Thank you to all my mentors who shaped me into the person I am today. As someone who is always driven and disciplined, my passion for finance has grown tremendously. During my two years at Boise State, I’ve had the opportunity to grow in this field, network with a handful of professionals and work on a team of student investors with the Student Managed Investment Fund. Outside of school, I enjoy early morning lifts and Friday night Bible study with the boys.

I have always embraced challenges to fuel my personal growth, so I chose to pursue my CPA license by earning a Master of Science in Accountancy Taxation degree from Boise State while continuing to work full-time in the professional career I started three years ago after earning my bachelor degree in finance from Indiana University. I am so glad I did! The professors are engaged, highly knowledgeable and well-connected in the community. Through COBE’s fantastic networking events, I’ve met local business leaders, building my confidence and network. I can already say I will graduate from the program better connected, more knowledgeable and prepared to advance in my career.

I am incredibly honored to be recognized as a Signature Student for the College of Business and Economics for the second time. The MBA program has been an amazing journey, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to learn from such dedicated faculty and to be surrounded by a cohort of truly inspiring, hardworking individuals. Your support and camaraderie have made this experience so special. I am looking forward to the opportunities ahead after graduation and I’m excited to see where the future leads. Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey.

I am honored to be recognized as a College of Business and Economics Signature Student. I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of a community that has shaped both my personal and professional growth. While pursuing my degree in marketing, I also work as a marketing and promotions intern for Boise State Athletics, where I gain valuable hands-on experience in brand strategy, promotion and event marketing. This experience has deepened my understanding of the marketing field and allowed me to apply classroom knowledge to real-world situations. I am truly grateful for the support and guidance from my amazing professors, advisors, family and friends.

I am honored to be recognized as a COBE Signature Student for the spring 2025 semester. Pursuing dual degrees in international business and economics, I have embarked on several pivotal experiences this past year. My academic journey included studying Chinese at Providence University in Taiwan, where I further enhanced my professional skills as an international marketing strategy intern at Nexcom. Earlier this year, I also crafted a comprehensive financial model for a wealth manager with Morgan Stanley, utilizing advanced Excel VBA tools. Looking ahead, I am excited to begin an internship in international logistics at Simplot this summer.

I am passionate about people, brand management and lifelong learning, so being part of the Boise State Career Track MBA program has suited me well these past two years. While in school, I have worked as a graduate assistant in the COBE dean’s office, where I help promote events and resources. My professional background spans marketing and brand management in healthcare, start-ups and hospitality. Now armed with an MBA, I hope to reenter the workforce in one of these fields. Beyond work, I am an avid pickleball player, party planner and proud favorite auntie. I am forever grateful for the support I have received from COBE. I am proud to be a Boise State alum.

After a career in the Marine Corps, earning my undergraduate degree seemed daunting, but the professors, advisors, and students of COBE have made it an amazing experience. I will graduate in December 2025, and being selected as a Signature Student is an incredible honor. At COBE, I have gained expertise in analytics, critical thinking and problem-solving while strengthening my collaboration skills. I am passionate about combining the leadership, discipline and strategic thinking I developed in the military with the technical and interpersonal skills I’ve gained here. I’m truly grateful for the mentorship and support from everyone in the
department.

I am truly honored to be selected as a Signature Student. Special thanks to COBE for all of the opportunities and support. I am currently pursuing a Master of Science in Economics and a Graduate Certificate in Economic Analysis and Causal Inference. Originally from Senegal, and with English as my third language, this journey has come with moments of self-doubt and tons of anxiety. I am grateful for the support of my family, friends and especially my professors, who have spent countless hours helping me navigate both academic and personal challenges. Thomas, as I promised you on our last call, I’m one step closer.

I am honored to be recognized as a COBE Signature Student by the Department of Accountancy. Earning my Master of Accountancy degree while serving as a graduate assistant has been both challenging and rewarding, and I appreciate the experiences that have helped me grow. I am grateful for my friends, family and the incredible faculty for challenging and encouraging me along the way. As I prepare for the CPA exams and my next chapter with Deloitte Boise, I will carry forward the lessons and relationships that have made my time at Boise State so meaningful.

Growing up, I remember everything being so hard and confusing, like it is for many refugee families. I like to ask questions; I like to illuminate the unknown, untangle the confusing and make sense of ambiguity. What is most rewarding to me is to be able to do these things for those who need it most. I am thankful to my family and COBE for preparing me for the professional world, where, through empathy, patience and knowledge, I can explain complex issues in ways that people can understand, because they deserve to understand.

I am incredibly honored to have been recognized by COBE faculty as a Signature Student. I have had an amazing experience within COBE classes and clubs. I am extremely thankful for the unwavering support the Boise State faculty has shown in helping me along the way. Before attending Boise State, I felt somewhat directionless in my choices and future, but I was given the sense of purpose and clarity I needed. I look forward to entering the professional world with the many skills I have acquired.

I am an Army veteran and hold a bachelor’s degree in business marketing. I am working on my MBA in both healthcare leadership and data analytics. I am also working to establish a Military and Veteran MBA Student Organization to create a larger, supportive network for veteran students. Boise State and COBE have been enormously supportive of me as I take the next step in my education and career, and I’m extremely happy that I chose to become a Bronco.

It is an honor to be recognized as a College of Business and Economics Signature Student on behalf of the Department of Supply Chain Management. I have been fortunate to learn from and be supported by outstanding faculty during my time at Boise State University. Their support has allowed me to pursue my dreams while working towards earning my bachelor’s degree in supply chain management and a business analytics certificate. The connections I have made with my professors and business professionals in the community make me excited for the future as I graduate this spring. Thank you to everyone for your support. Go Broncos.

As a director of development in the College of Health Sciences and a student in the Professional MBA program here at Boise State University, I have spent the majority of the past two years learning and growing on this campus. To all my classmates and the PMBA faculty and staff: thank you for making those years a truly meaningful experience. I look forward to seeing all we will accomplish in the Boise community and beyond. Business has the power to define the future, and I am glad to know the PMBA program is empowering thoughtful, ethical and strong leaders.

I am honored to be recognized as a Signature Student for the Department of Marketing at Boise State. I am grateful for the incredible opportunities COBE provides me. During my time at Boise State, the relationships I have built with my peers and professors have had a profound impact on my life. I have been able to explore a variety of career paths within marketing, which have helped me land multiple internships. I earned a position in the Boise State Athletic Marketing Internship, a unique marketing class that gives hands-on experience and I work as a TA for ITM. I am excited to see what God has planned for my future.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at COBE. As a returning student, I was provided all of the support, tools and guidance to quickly onramp into an empirical field and be successful. Within one year, I was also admitted into COBE’s STEM-designated graduate program in economics. I will graduate in May and am already well on my way to earning a master’s degree. The economics department has been instrumental in positioning me for my next steps.

I am originally from Kosovo, and I am currently pursuing my degree in management at Boise State, set to graduate in the fall of 2025. As a busy mom and entrepreneur, I run my own charcuterie business, where I balance creativity, operations and client engagement. This experience has strengthened my skills in leadership, problem-solving and time management. Being selected as a Signature Student for the spring 2025 semester is an incredible honor. I am excited to continue learning and growing through COBE and look forward to applying my education and experiences to future business endeavors.

Having returned to my native Boise with my spouse and three children after living in Seattle, New York City, and other metropolitan areas, I am a graduate student in the MSAT program and expect to graduate in May. This semester, I’ve been fortunate to volunteer with the VITA program, which has provided invaluable practical, hands-on experience in tax preparation, perfectly complementing and enhancing my studies and preparing me for my upcoming role at a small local CPA firm specializing in tax planning and preparation. Before this career transition, I spent over 15 years in healthcare, including roles as a level 1 trauma ICU RN and, most recently, as a clinical risk manager in safety, quality, and risk management services here in Boise. I look forward to leveraging the critical thinking and analytical skills honed during my healthcare career in this new field.

I am honored and humbled to receive the Signature Student Award in cybersecurity at the College of Business and Economics. Coming back to school to seek a master’s degree in cybersecurity after a 25-year career in education was a bit scary. Yet, I’ve felt welcomed and accepted by faculty and staff. Additionally, my fellow students are encouraging and supportive. I couldn’t have asked for a better program to help me reach my goals. I’m currently the technology coordinator for the TRIO Educational Talent Search and TRIO Upward Bound programs here at Boise State University. In my free time, I love to be with my family and friends in the lovely outdoors of Idaho.

I am honored to be recognized as a Signature Student in the Master of Economics program. COBE’s economics faculty has shown tremendous support for my graduate education, and I am grateful for all I am learning about theory, analytics and more.