Although Shawn Goughnour built an impressive career, he is looking ahead to a day when he might transition into entrepreneurship.
“After 20-plus years of working in manufacturing, holding a few patents and having this niche career that I’ve had since high school, I decided if I ever want to change anything and move into another type of future, I will need a little more credibility in order to leverage myself,” he said. “Even though 23 years of experience should be enough, degrees still mean things. I am a late-in-life student.”
Goughnour will graduate from Boise State University’s online Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Management in May 2026.
“I chose Boise State because of the flexibility and the ability to leave it open to have my own career in front of me and start my own thing if I choose to,” he said. “I want to get into a 3D printing, manufacturing and consulting type of thing. I want to show people how things can be done in a shorter, smoother way without the cost.”
Doing the degree online was a must for Goughnour. As head of advanced research for Sentec, he travels across the world, typically hitting the road every other week. He and his wife, April, have two children — Seth, 17, and Trinity, 15.
“The fact that I travel the world often, and I can log in and do my work anywhere makes it nice,” he said. “Some of my favorite places I’ve been to are Germany, Italy, Boston and New York City. I did two weeks of classwork in Germany. It ebbs and flows but online makes it manageable.”
High-value opportunity
Goughnour was born in Oklahoma, but he moved to Sandpoint, Idaho, with his family when he was 8 years old. He completed his basic courses at Northern Idaho College as he launched his career.
“I saw an opportunity in the industry,” he said. “I kept seizing opportunities and taking them. Every time another one came up, I bit onto it. That’s one of the best pieces of advice I give people today: If you see an opportunity, seize it.”
That approach has served Goughnour well. He has worked for Sentec and its predecessor company since 2002.
During his time at Boise State, Goughnour especially enjoyed the business law and capstone courses in the online BBA in Management curriculum.
“I used my experience in the capstone, knowing the issues I’ve seen with companies that have been through multiple CEOs and are now in acquisition,” he said. “Like, here are the things that you should do right, like listening to your employees. The project led to how to improve upon that.”
Even with his extensive experience, Goughnour is applying the information he is learning in the program to his role.
“It mattered more to me to understand how others who are younger are trained and how they expect things to be. It also gave a better understanding of some of the things that exist out there and where they came from,” he said.
Goughnour believes that having a bachelor’s degree will pay dividends for the remainder of his working career, no matter which direction he takes.
“The degree opens up opportunities for you,” he said. “It gives you some credibility, too. You might have the experience, but you’re not just some guy that’s only got the experience.”
High-quality education
Since enrolling at Boise State three years ago, Goughnour has worked hard to complete a degree with the support of his family.
“My friends thought I was crazy going back to school at my age,” he said. “A full-time career, family and school is meant for the young, for sure.”
Goughnour plans to walk the graduation stage to celebrate his accomplishment with his family in May.
“That’s the plan,” he said. “I’m going to attempt to do it but sometimes work gets in the way — especially with my career.”
One of the best parts of the online BBA in Management program for Goughnour is the engaged community.
“Really work with your counselors and let them know what you want to do,” he said. “When you get that good counselor, really work with them. Let them know how you want to proceed. And don’t be afraid to talk to the program directors.”
During his free time, Goughnour has a wide array of hobbies that he said his wife would say are too many.
“I do everything from tinkering, rebuilding motors to long-range, precision shooting, fishing and hunting,” he said.
Now that he is close to graduating, Goughnour knows he made the right decision to return to college and become a Bronco.
“I feel like I am getting good value out of the business management program,” he said. “I enjoy Boise State. I’m glad I chose it.”
Learn more about the business administration program
Earning an online Bachelor of Business Administration in Management from Boise State University can open doors to new opportunities and a brighter future — and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Whether you’re exploring if an online degree is right for you or need help transferring credits, connecting with a student success coach is the perfect first step.
Ready to learn more? Attend one of our online information sessions or contact a student success coach today.