Carolyn Carter-Bailey was selected to deliver the student speech at Boise State’s 115th commencement on Dec. 14 during the 3 p.m. ceremony. She will earn a Bachelor of Science in Health Studies with honors.
Carter-Bailey has been an active member in several organizations including TRIO STEM Scholars, the Kinesiology Club, her local church as a youth leader, and with a children’s hospital charity through St. Luke’s. According to Amanda Ferguson, an educational specialist and advisor with TRIO STEM Scholars, Carter-Bailey organized a dance marathon that benefitted the children’s hospital all while earning straight A’s that semester. She also volunteered over 100 hours supporting youth mental health with the Speedy Foundation.
“She has continuously impressed me with her resolve and determination,” Ferguson said. “Carolyn has gone above and beyond to find leadership and internship opportunities and to meet every challenge life has thrown at her.”
Whitney Douglas, an associate professor of humanities and cultural studies who taught Carter-Bailey in 2021 and has been in contact with her ever since, appreciated her insightful contributions to class discussions and “the care with which she approached her writing and in responding to the writing of her peers.”
“I could not imagine a more positive role model to speak to Boise State students on the cusp of their next journey,” Douglas said. “She is a stellar human being and represents what we hope all Broncos will embody: curiosity, a love for lifelong learning, an inclusive and caring approach to collaborating and working with others, and a generous, humorous approach to both learning and life.”
“Carolyn has been committed to making a difference in the community and the lives of those around her throughout her academic career and her life outside of it,” Ferguson said.
Carter-Bailey was accepted into a doctoral program in physical therapy at the University of Mary and will begin in the fall of 2025.