Amanda Ryan receives 2026 Golden Apple Award

Amanda Ryan, Ph.D., Assistant Dean of the College of Innovation + Design and Director of the Beer and Wine Studies program at Boise State University, has been named a 2026 Golden Apple Award winner.

The Golden Apple Awards are presented each year by the Associated Students of Boise State University to honor professors who truly go above and beyond for their students. This year set a new record with 403 nominations submitted across the university. An all-student committee reviewed every nomination and selected 12 winners - one from each college - based on Boise State's seven shared values: Academic Excellence, Caring, Citizenship, Fairness, Respect, Responsibility, and Trustworthiness.

A nomination alone means a student felt their professor made a real difference in their life. Being selected as a winner means that many felt the impact.

"She is insanely innovative," said Sal Gardea, who nominated Ryan for the award. "I've loved the [Beer and Wine Studies] class I took this semester. It was a seven-week online wine course that still felt incredibly interactive. She was so involved throughout the process, and I've never had a teacher do that in an online class. I really respect Amanda, and I can tell she truly respects the students taking these courses."

Ryan is a Boise State alumna, holding a Ph.D. in Psychology along with a Master of Arts in Technical Communication and a Bachelor of General Studies - both earned right here at Boise State. As Director of Beer and Wine Studies, she brings her industry experience into the classroom, creating hands-on learning opportunities that connect students to real-world careers.

Share This

• Share on Facebook
• Share on X
• Share on LinkedIn
• Share through Email