Jena Burkhart, a 2012 Boise State kinesiology alum, has come full circle – now combining her unique military background with her original passion for health and fitness to help others in a whole new way.
Burkhart grew up in a small rural town in Nevada, where she first found her love for sports and fitness. She chose to attend Boise State because of the close-knit campus community, strong ROTC program, and, of course, football. While in the ROTC, she attended Army Airborne School, laying the foundation for what would become a remarkable military career. Airborne school qualifies participants to parachute from planes.
“Airborne school was special to me because my dad pinned my airborne wings on at graduation,” Burkhart said. “He pinned his own wings that he got when he graduated in 1970 before he went to Vietnam.”
After commissioning, Burkhart became one of the first female Army rangers, demonstrating resilience and strength in a historically male-dominated arena.
“I have been teaching for almost 30 years and Jena is one of the best undergraduate students with whom I have ever worked,” said Lynda Ransdell, professor and chair of the kinesiology department. “She is the consummate professional, always looking for ways to make those around her better. She is incredibly capable, both mentally and physically. She lives, breathes and models fitness in a way that is humble and motivating. We should all be proud that she is a Boise State Bronco!”
Burkhart spent nearly a decade serving on active duty, honing skills in resilience, leadership and adaptability during pivotal moments throughout the Global War on Terror. In 2021, she left active duty to bring those experiences back to her roots and passion for empowering people through movement. Fueled by a desire to serve others in a new way, she pursued a doctorate in physical therapy from the University of Puget Sound, which she earned in May 2024.
Among her many accomplishments, being selected as a Tillman Scholar in 2021 stands as one of her proudest achievements.
“It’s a true honor to be part of such a remarkable group, all dedicated to carrying forward Pat’s legacy,” she said.
The Pat Tillman Foundation was established in honor of Pat Tillman, an NFL player who left the Arizona Cardinals to enlist in the U.S. Army after Sept. 11, 2001, and was later killed in Afghanistan. The foundation’s mission is to support veterans, active service members and military spouses through educational scholarships and leadership development programs.
Burkhart’s advice to current students: “If you surround yourself with the right people and pursue a purpose you’re truly passionate about, the rest will take care of itself.”
Today, Burkhart continues to serve in the Army Reserves and is a doctor of physical therapy in North Carolina where she channels her military experience, resilience and compassion into helping her patients. Drawing from her life experiences, Burkhart brings a unique perspective to her work, combining scientific knowledge with the empathy and grit forged through her time in the Army.
Her journey – from the halls of Boise State to austere military bases and now to the clinic – embodies the spirit of service that first inspired her to become a Bronco.