Kristen McHenry stepped into her new role as the master’s program director for the Department of Respiratory Care in July 2024
McHenry has been a respiratory therapist for nearly 20 years, with experiences that include director of clinical education and program director for entry-to-practice programming at East Tennessee State University. She brought her knowledge to Boise State in 2020, where she began teaching solely online as an assistant professor in the RRT to BS undergraduate program and eventually in the Master of Science in Respiratory Care program. Her administrative experience, as well as her detail-oriented approach to online curriculum development and delivery, makes her a perfect fit for her new role.
“Dr. McHenry is an exceptional educator and has a keen understanding of how the requirements for graduate-level curriculum within our profession will need to develop to meet the needs of our growing profession,” according to Megan Koster, department chair and clinical professor in the Department of Respiratory Care.
In addition to working at Boise State, McHenry continues to practice in a multidisciplinary amyotrophic lateral sclerosis clinic. “I feel I am still aware of the complexities and demands of the profession. I love what I do and hope I can instill that continued enthusiasm in my students.”
The master’s program in respiratory care at Boise State has been named by EduMed and Innovate.com as one of the best online programs since its launch in 2018. This program has been awarded the American Association Respiratory Care APEX award twice, an award that recognizes respiratory therapy programs that achieve and consistently perform at the highest standards of education, quality, and patient care.
The master’s program allows students to tailor their educational experience to their varied interests. Additionally, a master’s degree from Boise State can now be achieved through either the traditional research-based approach or through a new practicum-based opportunity.
Koster expressed her enthusiasm for what the future will look like under McHenry’s care. “Dr. McHenry will continue to build the research-focused trajectory of this award-winning program and I’m certain that the department will continue to see amazing things from both, our students and graduates, under her leadership.”
McHenry emphasized, “In this new role, I am looking forward to working with our graduate students in greater depth. Degree advancement students are unique. The department views them as colleagues in the profession, as much as they are learners. They have a lot to contribute and we want to highlight and celebrate their career wins.”
She also wants to highlight that the leadership and support she has received from Boise State have been unmatched. “My colleagues have encouraged and believed in me from the beginning of my time here and equipped me with the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in this role. I am so thankful.”
Boise State has three respiratory care programs: On Campus Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Care Program, Registered Respiratory Therapy-Bachelor of Science Degree Advancement Online Program, and Master of Science in Respiratory Care.