Vanessa Crandall was a high school math teacher and softball coach when she enrolled in Boise State University’s online Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Professional Studies more than one year ago.
She will graduate as an experienced entrepreneur with applicable concentrations in business creation, community impact, innovative designs and applied leadership.
Last February, Crandall launched Milk & Honey Coffee Company, a java mobile delivery business based in her hometown, Jerome, Idaho. She is a first-generation college graduate.
“I’ve always wanted to start my own business,” she said. “I went back to school for education because I was teaching higher math, like personal finance, which was what I wanted to do at the time.
“I felt God calling me to start my own business. Who doesn’t love coffee and Jesus? After I got that calling, I prayed about it for a long time. It was the shift that I needed. That’s what I am pursuing right now, hoping my degree will help my entrepreneurial endeavors.”
So far, so good. Crandall is on track to graduate in May 2025 after dreaming of attending Boise State.
“I chose Boise State because I am a huge fan,” she said. “It had been a decade since I had been in college. I looked into a couple of other universities, but I’ve always wanted to be a Bronco. I also really love the online programs at Boise State. I knew it was the right place for me.”
The online format is especially helpful to Crandall while she continues to learn the ropes of running a business for the first time while in the final stages of the bachelor’s degree program.
“It’s been the most seamless college experience I have ever had,” she said. “It’s been enjoyable for me. That flexibility is helpful — especially with launching Milk & Honey Coffee Company. I’ve been able to work it around my schedule.”
Batter up
Crandall was an athlete in high school and college. She parlayed that experience into coaching and teaching at Lighthouse Christian School in Twin Falls after graduating with a bachelor’s degree in social psychology from Northwest Nazarene University in 2009.
“I volunteered a lot at my daughter’s school which had a need for a paraprofessional,” she said. “I started doing that, then they hired me on and asked me to step into a role as a lead teacher in elementary school. Once I did that, I was able to fast-track to high school. I taught for five years.”
Prior to enrolling at Northwest Nazarene, Crandall also earned an associate degree in psychology from College of Southern Idaho, so she transferred credits into Boise State’s bachelor’s degree program in August 2023.
“I really enjoyed the leadership classes I have taken with Dr. (Blanche) Wallace,” she said. “They have been my favorites. I have gained the most inspiration and knowledge from those classes. The way that she presents, sets up her classes and is available, I wish I could forever take her classes.
“I can apply what I learned to running the business. I thought I knew a lot about leadership until I took her classes. Now, my mind is open. I am so grateful for that opportunity.”
Crandall believes earning an online Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Professional Studies will create career opportunities for her to fall back on if necessary.
“It’s been a huge confidence booster for me,” she said. “I didn’t do so hot in college when I was younger. Now, I am a straight-A student. Maturity and education have helped me in a lot of ways.”
Heading home
Crandall looks forward to walking the graduation stage and officially becoming a Bronco alumna later this year. Her family, including her husband Joshua and children Evelynn (13), Ryder (13) and Gage (10) are behind her 100%.
“They were super excited for me and supportive,” she said. My husband has been my number-one cheerleader. My kids are so awesome. They are super excited, too.
“My oldest son wants to be a business owner someday, so he enjoys listening to my lectures and reading with me. He’s so into it. He loves Dr. Wallace, as well. He plans on playing football for Boise State. It’s a great experience for me and my family; everybody has had a takeaway from the experience.”
The ability to customize her interdisciplinary professional studies degree to fit her needs and aspirations is a huge reason why Crandall is so pleased with the results of her meaningful return to college.
“I have absolutely received good value from the program since I started it,” she said. “I always tell people who are considering enrolling, ‘Just do it. Ask all of the questions.’
“I was scared about being an older student going back to school. I was afraid to ask questions at first. It gave me a lot of confidence. No idea is dumb or invaluable. There’s so much to learn.”
And so much coffee to deliver.
Learn more about the interdisciplinary professional studies program
Earning an online Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Professional Studies from Boise State University can open doors to new opportunities and a brighter future — and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Whether you’re exploring if an online degree is right for you or need help transferring credits, connecting with a student success coach is the perfect first step.
Ready to learn more? Attend one of our online information sessions or contact a student success coach today.