Meet spring commencement student speaker Zack Tyree

Zack Tyree, a kinesiology major from Missoula, Montana, has been selected as the student speaker at Boise State’s 112th Commencement on May 6. He will graduate with a bachelor of science in kinesiology, with an emphasis in human performance and exercise science.

“I am extremely blessed and honored to be chosen for this prestigious opportunity to represent the graduating class of 2023,” Tyree said. “My Boise State experience was one I will never forget and has shaped me into the person I am today.”

Over the past four years, Tyree’s been an integral member of the campus community. He is a peer advisor for the College of Health Sciences’ student services and academic advising office, a member of the Honors College, the founder of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity, a two-time captain for the men’s soccer club, and a Bronco Shop ambassador.

“Zack knows how to relate to students and his enthusiasm is infectious. Bright, kind and supportive, he always has a way of helping others feel encouraged and welcomed in whatever space he enters,” said College of Health Sciences Dean Tim Dunnagan. “Zack was also a calm presence conducting orientations during the pandemic. Even through a Zoom screen, he was able to find ways to humanize his interactions with others. We are so proud of him.”

Tyree received scholarships from Boise State’s Department of Kinesiology, Western Undergraduate Exchange, Health Foundation and Langroise Honors. Upon graduation, he will pursue a career in soccer, as well as a physician assistant program where he can fulfill a passion for working with kids as a pediatric physician assistant. But for right now, he’s reminiscing on his Boise State experience and the support he’s received along the way.

“From the countless emails, meetings and Zoom calls, faculty has made time for me with anything I needed. They genuinely cared about my success as a student and human being during my time as a Bronco. I just want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart for all who made this amazing experience possible for me,” he said.

Tina Freeman, an academic advisor in the kinesiology department, started working with Tyree in 2019 when he was her peer advisor. Since then, they’ve worked on orientations, events and registration every semester. She considers him “part of her family.”

“He has always done these events with a great attitude and a much needed sense of humor, despite some very difficult situations,” Freeman said. “Words cannot express my love and respect for Zack. I could not be more proud of him for this great honor of being our commencement speaker.”

Tyree’s advice to his fellow Broncos embarking on their next chapters?

“Step out of your comfort zone. Go out and fail at something. Failure is the ultimate catalyst for growth so go out and seek it. Because it doesn’t matter how many times you get knocked down but what matters is how many times you get back up.”