While enrolled in Boise State University’s online Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program, Keierra Naillon is focusing on two areas close to her heart — addiction recovery and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
“My dad was in the Marine Corps for 20 years,” she said. “I grew up in a military family. I have a soft spot there. I also lost my biological mom to addiction when I was a kid, so a lot of my family and I deal with that, as well.”
Naillon, an administrative assistant at Northpoint Recovery in Meridian, Idaho, is on track to graduate in May 2027. She and her daughter, Nova (5), live in Caldwell.
“I already knew I was going to go straight into a bachelor’s program after I finished my associate degree because I wanted to further advance my education,” she said. “When I found out Boise State launched its online BSW program, that was interesting to me.”
The fully online format is the only realistic way Naillon could continue attending college because of her busy schedule.
“I did an online format with my associate degree, but I had a couple of in-person classes,” she said. “This gives me a lot of flexibility where I can keep my full-time job and take care of my child. It gives me that freedom. I can’t do in-person classes.”
As if she didn’t already have enough on her plate, Naillon is also a three-time surrogate mother who is due to give birth again soon.
“I had to email one of my summer professors recently because she posted that our final exam opens Aug. 6 through Aug. 9,” she said. “My due date is Aug. 9. She said, ‘Oh, yeah, we’ll accommodate whatever you need.’ Boise State gives you a strong support system.”
On the move
Naillon is from Idaho, but she moved frequently while living with her father and stepmother. One of those stops was Okinawa, Japan.
“That was some serious culture shock at nine years old,” she said. “It was fun. I definitely want to go back someday. My dad and stepmom were there for three years at that point, but I only lived there for four months. From first through 12th grade, I attended 13 different schools.”
After graduating from the College of Western Idaho with an associate degree in social work in May 2025, Naillon enrolled at Boise State.
“I chose social work, in general, because I love helping people and being there for people,” she said. “About four years ago, I finally decided to focus and go to college. I want to work with veterans someday.”
So far, Naillon is enjoying the supportive learning environment and relevant curriculum in the online BSW.
“I’ve liked all of the classes I have taken in the program,” she said. “They are definitely preparing me well. I know a lot of the information because I already work in the field, but I also really enjoy the professors. The curriculum is applicable to what I do.”
Earning a bachelor’s degree online has been such a positive experience for Naillon that she hopes to transition into Boise State’s online Master of Social Work program, starting in May 2027.
“I want to work in the addiction recovery and PTSD unit at the Veterans Administration,” she said. “I also own property in Kuna, so I’ve been thinking about potentially opening up a recovery center. It’s been in the back of my mind.”
Going strong
Since enrolling in college four years ago, Naillon has been thriving with a strong amount of encouragement from her family and friends.
“Everyone is excited,” she said. “I have a lot of support — especially with my parents and my daughter. They are definitely my village. I am a first-generation college student, as well, so I have a lot of support and leaders behind me.”
Being a surrogate mother is also close to Naillon’s heart. Her stepmother went through in vitro fertilization and two miscarriages over the course of 12 years.
“I always had it in my mind that it was something I wanted to do,” she said. “Plus, the pregnancy with my daughter was so easy. This time, the family I am carrying for is in Montana.”
No matter which direction Naillon takes her social work career, she knows that the online MSW opens doors.
“I have been able to get in with a lot of potential opportunities right now, and I haven’t even graduated yet,” she said. “The stepping stones are definitely there. I’ve already been networking with people. Working on the bachelor’s degree has definitely been helpful.”
Naillon, who enjoys hiking and spending time with her daughter outdoors, is happy she made the decision to enroll at Boise State.
“I would say go for it to anyone considering the online Bachelor of Social Work,” she said. “It’s a new program, so there are some kinks here and there, so have some patience. The professors are there to help you. I have recommended the program to a lot of other people.”
Learn more about the social work program
Earning an online Bachelor of Arts in Social Work 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.