As a kid in Meridian, Idaho, Nate Hohnstein developed a love of working with his hands and solving problems. Going to a classroom, not so much.
“I really struggled in school,” he said. “I didn’t appreciate education as I do now. Given my educational background, my younger self never would have believed I’d graduate college, let alone go on to pursue a master’s degree.”
Sure enough, Hohnstein is on track to graduate from Boise State University’s online Master of Science in Organizational Performance and Workplace Learning (OPWL) program in Spring 2027. He credits becoming a Bronco with fueling his newfound love of academia.
“I was born and raised in Idaho, so Boise State has always been the backbone when I think of education,” he said. “Both my mother and wife went to Boise State. When it was my time to go, there was no other choice. I wanted to go to Boise State, too.”
Hohnstein graduated with an online Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Professional Studies in 2024 before moving onto the master’s degree program.
Hohnstein previously owned a general contracting business and now works as a Learning and Development Manager at McAlvain Companies in Boise.
“Having my own employees, developing them and their roles was a major focus for me as a business owner,” he said. “I ended up seeking an opportunity to join a learning and development department.”
“I was offered an Operations Training Manager position at Lessen, where I was in charge of training more than 500 field managers. I had an opportunity to come to McAlvain in 2021, so I’ve been building its learning and development function ever since.”
From handyman to learning and development leader
After high school, Hohnstein worked as a handyman for several years before launching his own business, Rental Restorations, in late 2017.
“I’ve always been good with thinking outside the box,” he said. “Being a handyman, you’re trying to find solutions for people who don’t want to spend a lot of money.”
“As my skills progressed and I learned more, I became a general contractor. I wanted to expand, have employees, and grow that business. It was a natural progression.”
After enrolling in the OPWL program in 2025, Hohnstein knew right off the bat he had found the ideal master’s degree for his skillset. He also added certificates in Organizational Development, Applied Emotional Intelligence and Well-being and Innovation and Design at Boise State.
“I fell in love with the entire program,” he said. “It’s given me so much more insight into how to do my job better — especially by being able to learn something on Tuesday and apply it on Wednesday. It’s awesome.”
“It’s added to my capabilities not only being a people leader, but the processes, the change management and everything that goes along with it, I can apply immediately.”
The flexibility of the online format is also big for Hohnstein. He and his wife, Candice, are 4H Club leaders and have two daughters — Josie (16) and Lily (13) — who are homeschooled. Their oldest started taking dual credit courses at the College of Western Idaho recently.
“I absolutely love the 100% online program,” he said. “Our schedules are so busy and chaotic. Online allowed me the flexibility to get my first degree and the master’s degree done.
“One nice thing about the online program is that it doesn’t disrupt my family life. A lot of things I can do, like during lunch, I can come home and focus on the family. Then, when I have a spare hour or two, I can do schoolwork in between. My family has been 100% supportive.”
Collaborative and inclusive: why Nate chose Boise State
After walking the graduation stage at the commencement ceremony for his undergraduate degree, Hohnstein plans to walk again next year for his master’s degree.
“I have gotten good value out of the programs at Boise State,” he said. “A big part of the OPWL program is it’s opened up the possibility of me getting my Ph.D. in the same program, as well.
“My wife, who graduated from Boise State with an accounting degree, did part of her degree online and part of it in-person. I would always drop her off at class. It’s nice not to have to do that for my degrees.”
No matter how far Hohnstein takes his higher education, he is thrilled to have found a love of learning at a high level and building on it immediately.
“I want to grow my career in learning and development,” he said. “I kind of found my niche. That’s why I went with the OPWL program: to expand my knowledge and continue my career path.”
Hohnstein believes the biggest key to success as an online student is keeping an open mind — especially while working with classmates.
“You have to be willing to put the work in,” he said. “When working within group projects, be open to other peoples’ experiences and take in their opinions.”
And while Hohnstein still doesn’t reflect fondly on his time as a high school student, being a college student has opened up a different world.
“One of the reasons I love Boise State is it’s given me that passion to learn,” he said. “It’s also given me so many opportunities for my career and my family. I wish we could have gone straight to college; it’s so much better.”
Learn more about the Organizational Performance and Workplace Learning program
Earning an online Master of Science in Organizational Performance and Workplace Learning 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.