Three alumni were recently honored by the College of Business and Economics with the COBE Outstanding Alumni Award for their exceptional contributions to business and the community. Elizabeth Baggerly, Khang Trong Nguyen and Nick Schlekeway are this year’s honorees. These individuals have demonstrated remarkable leadership, innovation and a commitment to giving back, making a lasting impact on their industries and local communities.
Baggerly, Nguyen and Schlekeway will speak to the COBE Outstanding Graduates at the college’s Academic Excellence Luncheon prior to commencement, bridging the gap between academic learning and professional achievement, providing valuable advice for the future. Posters about these Outstanding Alumni will be added to others on the walls in the COBE Career Services, Room 1120 in the Micron Business and Economics Building. Their achievements serve as inspiration to current students and a testament to the institution’s legacy of excellence. The college has honored 66 Outstanding Alumni since 2001.
Elizabeth Baggerly
Owner and General Manager, Proletariat Wine Company
Elizabeth Baggerly is an owner and general manager of Proletariat Wine Company (locations in Garden City, Idaho and Walla Walla, Washington). She was raised in the Treasure Valley, and received both her Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing and MBA from Boise State University. Before opening the winery and tasting room in Garden City, she worked at HP for 30 years, where she held various positions in procurement and strategic alliance management.
Baggerly is on the board for Visit Boise, the tourism division of the Boise Chamber of Commerce and the non-profit Eagle Rodeo in Eagle. The rodeo is in its 24th year, and contributes proceeds to local Treasure Valley charities. She is known for her passion for life and her outgoing personality. She has two adult children and resides in Horseshoe Bend with her husband and three dogs.
Khang Trong Nguyen
Founder, Chairman and CEO MK Group
Khang Trong Nguyen, a Vietnamese MBA alumn of Boise State University, is the founder, chairman and CEO of MK Group, a leading Asian company in smart cards, AI cameras, secure ID documents and digital security. He launched MK Group after the U.S. lifted its embargo on Vietnam, growing it into a global leader over 25 years.
MK Group has pioneered digital transformation with “Make-in-Vietnam” technologies, including chip operating systems, smart cards and authentication solutions. It led Vietnam’s transition to chip-based payment cards and has produced mor than 100 million chip-based citizen ID cards. The company operates factories in Vietnam, Brazil and Ethiopia.
Nguyen prioritizes corporate social responsibility, supporting education and disaster relief. Committed to built-to-last innovation, he drives MK Group’s expansion, strengthening Vietnam’s role in global technology
Nick Schlekeway
Founder and CEO, Amherst Madison Real Estate Advisors
Schlekeway is the founder and CEO of Amherst Madison, Idaho’s #1 luxury brokerage, closing over $6 billion in sales since 2013. Under his leadership, the firm ranks in the top 1% of brokerages nationwide and has appeared on the Inc. 500 list for five consecutive years.
At Boise State University, Nick was a captain on the football team, part of the legendary 2007 Fiesta Bowl championship team and an Academic All-American. He earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in General Business magna cum laude in less than four years. He holds a master’s degree in real estate from Georgetown University, summa cum laude.
Schlekeway is deeply committed to his community. He serves on the board of Make-A-Wish Idaho and founded A Giving Circle which has raised over $600,000 for Treasure Valley nonprofit organizations. As an entrepreneur, coach and family man, he is dedicated to making meaningful impact.