U of I broadcasting student JAMMs in Music City
Rylee Wimer took part in a U of I BPA delegation in Nashville last June
BY David Jackson
Photos courtesy of Riley Wimer
November 3, 2026
Senior Rylee Wimer has done just about everything possible within the Business Professionals of America (BPA) club at University of Idaho.
During her three years in BPA at U of I, she’s competed in national events in Chicago, Orlando and Nashville, held offices including president and co-president, and earned awards and certifications.
When she jumps into something she’s interested in, it’s always with both feet.
“She is one of those students who seems incapable of not taking every opportunity that is thrown her way,” said Caitlin Cieslik-Miskimen, professor in the School of Journalism and Mass Media. “And not just taking the opportunity but getting the most value she can possibly get out of it.”
UCM Lessons on Location BPA Trip
What’s it like to compete at BPA as a University of Idaho student? Follow Vandal student Rylee as she shares her experience competing at this year’s BPA competition in Nashville, Tennessee — from representing U of I on the national stage to exploring the city and making memories along the way. For Rylee, the trip was about more than competition. It was an opportunity to put her skills to the test, connect with other students and experience Nashville alongside her fellow Vandals.
Wimer, originally from Lewiston, got started in BPA in high school. Because of the wide range of professional development opportunities BPA offers, the broadcasting and digital media major decided to stay with it in college.
One of the biggest draws of being in BPA is attending the national convention. In addition to having the chance to obtain professional certifications in categories like software competency or more tech-related specializations, attendees can also compete against each other in events.
For Wimer, that meant broadcasting, podcasting and digital media production — an event Wimer won in Nashville.
Because Wimer is interested in many different communication platforms, having the chance to talk with, and compete against, colleagues from around the country has proven to be an invaluable experience.
“Networking is a huge part of BPA and the national events,” she said. “Almost everything I’ve learned about podcasting, broadcasting or production at U of I, I’ve met people at these events who are doing those same things, and we share experiences with each other.”
National conventions are also a place where attendees can attend classes to learn about trends in their field — what’s hot, what’s not and what’s emerging.
“Digital media production, podcasting, social media … I think they all connect with journalism,” Wimer said. “A lot of the events in Nashville were sponsored by companies that really value the information you receive there.”
Because of all the different career and technical education available at BPA, Wimer recommends getting involved for anyone interested in getting more experience in their chosen field.
Networking is a huge part of BPA and the national events. Almost everything I’ve learned about podcasting, broadcasting or production at U of I, I’ve met people at these events who are doing those same things, and we share experiences with each other.
Rylee Wimer
Senior in broadcasting and digital media
“There’s so many opportunities for you no matter what your degree is,” she said. “It’s so cool to connect with students from other colleges that are studying what you are.”
In addition to BPA, Wimer has gotten a lot of experience in digital media outside of the classroom while at U of I. She’s spent time honing her talents as the public relations director for Associated Students University of Idaho and working for University Communications and Marketing as both a social media intern and ZeeMee ambassador.
In staying consistent with the breadth of opportunities in the broadcasting field, she isn’t focusing on a specific career after she graduates in Spring ’27.
“I’m really interested in all parts of my degree field — broadcasting, social media and marketing,” she said. “I enjoy all of those things, so as long as I can find an opportunity and be happy with it, I’ll be good with that.”