Is Boise State’s ESI Partnership Now in Jeopardy After Scandal?

One month ago, Boise State University held a groundbreaking ceremony for its new ESI Construction Management Building. The construction continues even as the company behind the namesake facility undergoes significant leadership changes.

The new building, a 4 million dollar, state-of-the-art facility on the corner of Beacon and Manitou, represents an expansion for Boise State's Construction Management program, which has seen an 80% increase in enrollment over the past six years. It is the first BSU building to face Beacon Street and the first to use only mass timber, an engineered product that Boise Cascade donated.

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Boise State President Dr. Marlene Tromp said, "When we talk about construction management, what we're talking about is building. That's what Boise State does. It builds stronger, more creative, more resilient, and smarter people."

The building will house classrooms, offices, laboratory space, a 3,300 square-foot high bay with an overhead crane, a large student collaboration area, a 40-seat computer lab, and an outdoor learning area. The building is entirely donor-funded.

However, the recent controversy at ESI Construction is now overshadowing the project. Yesterday, February 24, 2025, Tom Hill resigned as CEO of Engineered Structures Inc. (ESI) following backlash over a video showing him making what appeared to be Nazi salutes during a company event. The video went viral on social media, showing Hill performing the gestures while standing in front of images of President Donald Trump.

Neil Nelson, ESI's president and a 1995 graduate of Boise State's Construction Management program, has assumed the roles of CEO and Chairman of the Board. Nelson emphasized healing and moving forward, saying, "We are dedicated to ensuring that our mission remains clear and that every decision we make reflects the principles that define ESI Construction."

At the groundbreaking ceremony last month, Nelson represented ESI, not Hill. Nelson's deep ties to Boise State likely solidify the project and the naming rights while comforting Dr. Tromp. She said they have spoken with ESI leadership. Boise State expects them to hold to Nelson's statement regarding the incident. She also noted that the University is committed to an environment free from discrimination and harassment.