Her Story
About Makayla
Makayla Kocher serves as an Educational Developer at Boise State University Center for Teaching and Learning in Boise, Idaho. She joined the role one year ago after six years at the University of Wyoming, where she pursued her undergraduate and graduate degrees. During her time there, she held a range of positions, including instructor for first-year writing, assistant director of first-year writing, SOAR mentor, and Graduate Administrative Assistant in the Honors College. Her background is innately interdisciplinary, but has roots in writing studies and the rhetoric of museums. Currently, she is expanding her work into adult student experiences in higher education, affordable learning materials and open educational resources, teaching preparation and support for graduate students, and faculty development.
Kocher earned a bachelor's degree in English Studies with minors in Anthropology, Museum Studies, Honors, and Mathematics, followed by a master's degree in Rhetoric and Composition and Public Humanities. She has completed online teaching certificates and continues to pursue other certificates through Boise State University. She is a member of the POD Network, Phi Beta Kappa, and Kappa Phi. Among her honors are the Rosemarie Martha Spitaleri Award, UW's prestigious recognition for outstanding graduating seniors. The awardees are recognized as the ideal role models of student scholarship and achievement. She has also received the John P. Ellbogen Outstanding Graduate Assistant Teaching Award, which recognizes exceptional contributions to undergraduate education through teaching. Recipients are nominated by their respective departments, advisers, and faculty members.
Kocher's passions in education and writing studies extend beyond the university setting with her work as a freelance editor and reviewer. She works with individuals at all levels and stages of the writing process, from academic to creative projects. She is also an avid reader, which led to her work as a Judge for Writer's Digest competitions. She also has a heart for volunteering for programs such as the Dear Jack Foundation, Mali Rising, Ronald McDonald House, P.E.O., and Write the World.
She attributes her success to the support of family, friends, mentors, and her faith, and she values hard work, curiosity, lifelong learning, and kindness in both her professional and personal life.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Makayla
01What do you attribute your success to?
My success hasn't just come from me, it's come from all the support I've had from family and friends, from the people that have mentored me along the way, tied back to my faith and gaining strength there. Success is not necessarily something that just comes from me. It comes from all those that have supported me, and all the people that, throughout different stages of life, I've been able to lean on or turn to, and having their encouragement and having their support has really helped propel me to where I am and where I'm going.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Never let your curiosity dwindle. Find something that excites you, that makes you wonder, and never forget that curiosity will take you far.
It's important to be a lifelong learner. Learning and curiosity go hand in hand.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Be willing to say yes to things even if you aren't sure. It's okay if you don't know everything. Seek out people you trust who can be mentors. Mentors don't always have to be older than you. And of course, find something to be curious about!
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
There are always new challenges emerging in education; its an ever-changing environment. And of course, as institutional goals and initiatives change, that means new challenges will arise. But what really defines a challenge is your mindset. If you see it as something negative, then your experience with it will likely be negative. But if you instead see each challenge as a puzzle to piece together, your mindset shifts, and it can instead become an opportunity for growth.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
In work, I value hard work, integrity, collaboration, and viewing each opportunity as a learning experience. I also value these in my personal life,. I also value having a growth mindset, humility, integrity, curiosity, and doing everything with kindness and love.
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