GradWell Student Spotlight

August 2024

Rebekah Coxwell

Rebekah Coxwell is a graduate student earning her Masters of Science in Organizational Performance and Workplace Learning (OPWL). She was inspired to pursue this degree because of her kids. Rebekah loves teaching and the OPWL field has allowed her to stay stimulated, enjoy her job, and be able to provide for her children. As a busy graduate student, Rebekah makes time for her wellness by having a consistent sleep schedule. She also has a strong support system and stays in contact with her friends and reaches out for support when needed. Finally, she has great time management skills that allow her time to work and relax.

Rebekah chose Boise State University because she had a close friend who attended and graduated with an MS degree from the OPWL program. Her friend spoke highly of the program’s professionalism, academics, and cost-efficiency. Since joining the program, Rebekah’s experience has been enjoyable, stating that the professors are helpful and present many opportunities to get involved in their research and apply knowledge in the field. 

“Pursuing another degree was a risk, but this program feels like a valuable investment”, states Rebekah.

She aims to transition into a government contractor role or a public sector position, combining professional enjoyment with economic stability for her family. Ultimately, she aspires to find a fulfilling and stable career. Rebekah plans on graduating in 2025. After graduation she plans on getting a job with the government and taking her kids out to dinner to celebrate. 

August 2024

Mackenzie Egelston

Mackenie Egelston is working towards a Masters in Public Administration. She was inspired to pursue this degree because of her late aunt who had passion for sustainability and wanted to see her change the world. As a busy graduate student Mackenzie makes time for her wellness by taking weekly bubble baths with no technology. She also sets aside specific times to spend time with her loved ones free from school work. Mackenzie has really enjoyed the MPA program. Since joining, she has been struck by everyone’s kindness and passion about their various projects. She believes that both faculty and students have been incredibly welcoming and have made it easy to want to stay in the program. When Mackenzie was working towards her bachelors degree, she was also getting a minor in urban studies. This area of study really opened her eyes to green infrastructure and the idea of a sustainable city. 

“Despite Boise’s plan to be carbon neutral by 2050, there is still a long way to go until we are a truly sustainable city and I want to be able to help manage those efforts at a local government level”, states Mackenzie.

She wants to work in this career field not only because it is something that she loves, but it can also help out future generations which makes it feel even more fulfilling to her. Mackenzie has really enjoyed the MPA program. Since joining, she has been struck by everyone’s kindness and passion about their various projects. She believes that both faculty and students have been incredibly welcoming and have made it easy to want to stay in the program. Mackenzie plans to graduate in 2026 and then hopes to get a job with the City of Boise in urban planning.