From the Military to Public Health, Janet Wise Aims to Serve Her Community

Online Public Health student Janet Wise is no stranger to serving her community. After enlisting in the military and being stationed in Mountain Home, Idaho, Wise joined the School of Public and Population Health to finish her undergraduate degree.

Wise graduates with her Bachelor of Arts in Public Health this winter. Read on to learn more about Wise and her passion for program planning, community engagement and the power of meeting people where they are.

Q: What originally brought you to Boise State and the School of Public and Population Health?

A: Boise State’s strong dedication to health justice and community-centered work is what drew me to the School of Public and Population Health. My first duty station after enlisting in the military was Mountain Home, Idaho, which is how my relationship with Idaho started in 2020. Since I had previously attended Oakwood University, I was aware that the university where I finished my bachelor’s degree would have to be just as great.

Boise State was the ideal place for me to complete my education because of its emphasis on service, inclusivity and applied learning, which precisely matches my values and long-term goals in public health.

Q: What have you enjoyed most about your studies?

A: I’ve enjoyed how my studies connected directly to real-world issues. Every course challenged me to think critically about the social determinants of health and to see health as something shaped by culture, environment and access. 

I especially appreciated the hands-on assignments and projects that pushed me to apply what I was learning in ways that supported real communities.

Q: What project made an impact on your academic experience?

A: One of the most meaningful experiences for me was creating Mobile Motion, a project designed to bring free or low-cost fitness opportunities to communities with limited access to exercise resources. It gave me the chance to combine creativity, leadership and cultural awareness to address real barriers to health. This project deepened my understanding of program planning, community engagement and the power of meeting people where they are.

Q: How has your time as a public health student broadened your outlook on health?

A: I now have a better understanding of how organizations, environments and opportunities impact health, which goes well beyond personal decisions. I now see health from an equity-focused, holistic perspective — taking into account the social, cultural, emotional and physical aspects that affect wellbeing. This perspective has made me even more determined to support often excluded populations.

Q: What are you most looking forward to post-graduation?

A: After graduation, I’m most excited to start working for a company that will allow me to advocate for those who are frequently overlooked, particularly women who require safety, support and strong advocates by their side. My passion is for establishing programs that actually improve communities and make people feel seen, safe, and empowered.

I’m also very motivated to become an amazing professor one day. Many of Boise State’s instructors poured wisdom, support, and belief into me, and I intend to pass that on to future students. Knowing that I can assist, lead, mentor and inspire passion in the next generation of public health professionals gives me a sense of purpose.

Above all, I’m delighted to apply all I’ve learned to have a significant, compassionate influence wherever I’m called to serve.