Idaho State University lecturer Jacobsen named Idaho Outstanding Business Educator at state conference

Idaho State University's Brenda Jacobsen has received the Idaho Business Education Association Educators Outstanding Business Educator of the year award and the Outstanding Career and Technical Student Organization Advisor of the Year Award. 

Jacobsen is an associate lecturer in the ISU College of Education's Department of Educational Foundations. She was honored during the Idaho Business Education Association state conference held recently in Coeur d'Alene.

Conference attendees from throughout the Idaho were in attendance to learn about new technology and to discuss the depth of opportunities business education offers in the further integration of essential skills in the classroom.

The ISU Business Education program and Business Professionals of America at Idaho State University have a strong and impressive presence and reputation at both the state of Idaho and national levels.

"Students in the program work hard and they know what it means to be a great educator who integrates 21^st-century skills into their curriculum," said Jacobsen.

Dan Armstrong, a former ISU business education student and fourth-year teacher at Lake City High School in Coeur d'Alene, hosted the ceremony and presented Jacobsen with the awards. 

"What sets Dr. Jacobsen apart from other advisers is her passion and excitement for BPA and her untiring desire to help students grow personally and professionally," said Anna Aldous. "She is the most exceptional adviser I have ever met, not only for her enthusiasm about business education and BPA but also because she can instill that excitement in others."

Kayla Bailey, current national officer and member of the ISU Chapter of BPA, said "Dr. Jacobsen is an inspiring role model. As an educator, I know her greatest sense of accomplishment is when her students succeed."

"I am honored to be recognized by my colleagues as an Outstanding Business Educator, but it touches me the most that former and current students nominated me for the Advisor of the Year," Jacobsen said. "I love my job and I can’t imagine doing anything else that is more rewarding."  

Jacobsen has been involved in teaching and advising business education candidates in the ISU College of Education for 10 years.  She has been involved as the advisor of Business Professionals of America (BPA) chapter and works with state and national leaders to further Business Education in High Schools, Community Colleges and Universities.  

For more information about BPA or the secondary teaching major in business education, contact Jacobsen at  (208) 282-4967 or at jacobren@isu.edu.

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