Congratulations Broncos on your well-deserved success! After a lot of hard work and dedication, spring 2021 commencement is here! Boise State congratulates all 183 graduates from ten online programs for achieving your academic goals! YOU DID IT!
Read about seven of our spring 2021 graduates and all about their academic journeys in the profiles below.
Landon Johnson – Bachelor of Arts, Public Health
After a career in pharmacy, Landon Johnson yearned for change. He enrolled at Boise State to shift the trajectory of his future!
- Landon Johnson, Bachelor of Arts in Public Health graduate.
During his time in Boise State Online’s public health program, he enjoyed focusing on strategic planning and performance management in the healthcare system. The flexibility of an online program was a necessity for Landon’s busy lifestyle. He was able to work full-time and prioritize time with his family, all while working towards his goal of completing a bachelor’s degree.
Landon will be graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Public Health with an emphasis in education and promotion at the spring 2021 commencement! He hopes to continue his education while simultaneously attending a master’s program and working.
Congratulations, Landon!
Learn more about Boise State Online’s Bachelor of Arts in Public Health program.
Alana Lynn – Bachelor of Arts, Integrated Strategic Communications
- Alana Lynn, Bachelor of Arts in Integrated Strategic Communications graduate.
For the past 22 years, Alana Lynn has been in the radio industry all over the country! Going back to school to earn her bachelor’s degree and expand her knowledge was a goal she always wanted to achieve.
Alana wanted to lead by example and show her daughter that setting a goal and working hard to accomplish it is important. Her journey with Boise State Online led to newfound confidence and opened doors to new opportunities.
A flexible, online degree program was crucial for Alana’s success. “The online program fits in with my lifestyle. It fits in with being a mom. It fits in with being a full-time employee.”
At the spring 2021 commencement, Alana will be graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Integrated Strategic Communications with an emphasis in public relations. Following her degree, Alana wants to continue to build on her education and hopefully, share her expertise through teaching!
Congratulations, Alana!
Learn more about Boise State Online’s Bachelor of Arts in Integrated Strategic Communication.
Ashley McGowen – Master of Science in Accountancy
- Ashley McGowen, Master of Science in Accountancy graduate!
Colorado resident Ashley McGowen began her Boise State journey in 2020. After researching many different degree programs, Ashley decided that Boise State Online would be the best fit for her.
The faculty and the connections with classmates made all the difference for Ashley. Despite being in a fully virtual environment, there was a strong sense of community and collaboration.
“Many people think that in an online program you are alone all the time, but even though I haven’t been in the same place as them, there is a lot of time for engagement. I have even made plans to visit a few classmates when I am in their area!”
With the flexibility and organization of the program, Ashley successfully completed a Master of Science in Accountancy while working for the CIty of Grand Junction full-time! This accomplishment has opened doors and opportunities for Ashley. She was newly promoted to Supervisor of Finance and begins teaching courses at a local college this fall!
Congratulations, Ashley!
Learn more about Boise State Online’s Master of Science in Accountancy program.
Beth Schumacher – Master of Science in Accountancy
- Beth Schumacher Master of Science in Accountancy graduate.
Beth Schumacher started her college journey right after high school. After needing to focus on her health and family, she stepped away from academics for a few years. That time away and working as a bookkeeper, helped her decide to go after her dream – a master’s degree.
Having an asynchronous learning option allowed Beth to successfully complete all responsibilities in her life. “I was able to fit in my full-time job, full-time children, while handling all medical needs at the same time. The Boise State program just fit my life, it was everything I wanted and more.” Professor Eric Gooden and Professor Joshua Cutler taught in a way that captured Beth’s attention and left her eager to learn more.
At the spring 2021 commencement, Beth is graduating from Boise State Online’s Master of Science in Accountancy program! To celebrate graduation, Beth will be flying from her home in Texas to reunite with her family in Boise and walk for graduation on The Blue!
Congratulations, Beth!
Learn more about Boise State Online’s Master of Science in Accountancy program.
Samantha Dean – Master of Social Work
- Samantha Dean, Master of Social Work graduate.
Prior to beginning her master’s degree, Samantha Dean was an elementary school teacher and while she loved her kids and her ability to guide them, she felt the need for a change. This led Samantha to Boise State Online and the Master of Social Work program.
“The MSW online program gives me more education on what I care about most – helping people. I wanted my students to be good humans and that’s what social work is and that’s why I chose this degree. We’re championing people to be the best they can be. We are breaking down barriers so they can thrive!”
With her new degree, Samantha hopes to continue working in the education field and specifically, on improving standardized testing and removing barriers so all children can thrive, no matter their backgrounds.
Congratulations, Samantha!
Learn more about the Boise State Master of Social Work Online program.
Araceli Gutierrez – Bachelor of Arts, Public Health
- Araceli Gutierrez, Bachelor of Arts in Public Health graduate.
Online education has allowed Araceli Gutierrez to achieve her academic goals. Being a mom to four kids and working full time, Araceli needed a flexible degree program to get it all done.
When the COVID-19 pandemic began, like many parents, Araceli shifted her priorities to homeschool her children. After debating whether or not to pause her own education, her advisor, Becky, helped her create a plan to allow her to continue with classes and provide for her family.
Her time in the online Bachelor of Arts in Public Health program has given her confidence and the ability to complete a degree when she didn’t think it was possible! One piece of advice she would give to future Boise State Online students is to use all of the resources available. The staff and faculty are truly there to help you with all of your needs!
This semester, Araceli is graduating with her Bachelor of Arts in Public Health! Post-graduation, she plans to move back to Boise from Orange County, California and find a job in public health.
Congratulations, Araceli!
Learn more about Boise State Online’s Bachelor of Arts in Public Health program.
Angela Hunter – Bachelor of Arts, Multidisciplinary Studies
Orofino, Idaho native Angela Hunter began working toward a bachelor’s degree in 1986. She took a step back from college and focused on her family and work.
After moving to Oregon and working in the education field, Angela wanted to complete her bachelor’s degree. Boise State’s multidisciplinary studies program gave her valuable information and empowered her!
Faculty and staff from Boise State Online helped Angela reach her dream of completing a bachelor’s degree. Each person along her journey has encouraged and guided her along the way. Being able to complete such a milestone has been very personal and motivating for her – she was able to complete something she always wanted to do!
Angela is graduating with a Multidisciplinary Studies Bachelor’s Degree at the spring 2021 commencement!
Congratulations, Angela!
Learn more about Boise State Online’s Bachelor of Arts in Multidisciplinary Studies program.
More Information about Boise State Online
Boise State Online offers 100+ online programs and 900+ unique online courses! Each program has the flexibility for students to balance all of life’s responsibilities and achieve their academic dreams whether it is a bachelor’s degree, a graduate degree or a single, online class.
Want to learn more? Register for an information session TODAY!
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Story by Alexis Ross, Boise State Extended Studies