Based in Fruitland, Idaho, wood products manufacturing company Woodgrain has become a leader in its field over its 65 years in business, opening locations across the Treasure Valley and around the country. As it has grown, it has turned to Boise State University to fill vacancies in vital positions, particularly in the areas of accounting and engineering. Now, the company seeks to satisfy its deeper commitment to making a difference in people’s lives. 

“To Woodgrain, it is important that when students hear the company’s name, they recognize it as a university partner who gives back and an employer who can help them achieve their career aspirations,” said Woodgrain Human Resources Manager Scott Hutchinson (’13).

In early 2024, the company endowed the Woodgrain Accounting and Mechanical Engineering scholarships, which will be awarded to students pursuing degrees in those areas of study. These scholarships forward Boise State’s goal of endowing more scholarships to increase access to a college education. They also further make Woodgrain top-of-mind to Broncos as a potential employer — one that offers them trust, responsibility, and high-impact work.

Those are things many major employers can’t offer graduates entering the workforce, said Amber Brown (’17). While her classmates took entry-level jobs at other firms, she quickly ascended the company ladder. Beginning as a financial analyst in its corporate office, Brown received a series of promotions. She’s currently the controller at its Fruitland plant.

“Early in my tenure, the company offered me exposure to challenging work that stretched me beyond what you would expect for my time in the profession,” Brown said. “That exposure, as well as my time at Boise State, has developed me into the person and professional I am today.”

Employees like Brown are why giving back to the university where Woodgrain sourced some of its top talent was so important. Boise State’s recruiter-friendly environment and strong career services team make it an ideal place for employers to pick up applicants and build rapport. By endowing a pair of scholarships in its areas of need, Woodgrain now supports Broncos academically as well as professionally.