In honor of Veteran’s Day Nov. 11, Boise State is recognizing veterans from across campus.
Steven Wilson’s time in the Marine Corps instilled the discipline and focus every college student needs, helping build the foundation for his success at Boise State in the construction management program. Even with a background in the military as a supply and logistics administrator, tutoring and support through the Veteran’s Upward Bound program has been pivotal for Wilson to excel.
Veteran’s Upward Bound at Boise State, part of the College of Education’s Center for Educational Opportunities and the university’s Veteran’s Services Center, provides free pre-college planning, application support, networking, academic tutoring and more to veterans on campus and those living in southern Idaho.
Margaret Norris, a former engineer, veteran and math instructor for the Veteran’s Upward Bound program, helped Wilson take on calculus and engineering math.
“The math has been the biggest challenge, but I find a lot of enjoyment in it,” said Wilson. “I give Margaret credit as often as I can, she has a very strong foundation and is an advocate for helping me get through it. You feel so good when you finally get it.”
Originally from the Bay Area and most recently from Alaska, Wilson enjoyed visiting an uncle in Boise who worked for Micron and following Boise State football. During his visits, Wilson fell in love with Idaho’s recreational opportunities, and heard that Boise State had a good construction management program. Wilson worked in construction after his time in the Marines, and liked how the construction process unfolded from start to finish, informing his choice to pursue the major. Moving his family here became an easy choice.
“I already knew I liked Boise, and I knew it was great for my family,” said Wilson. He plans to stay in Boise after graduating in spring 2027 with his degree and work for one of the Treasure Valley’s prominent construction firms.
Wilson is a student employee in the Veteran’s Services Center, helping other veterans access benefits and is the president of the Student Veterans of America club chapter at Boise State. Being able to assist other veterans in finding resources and building community is something Wilson is happy to pay forward.
“There are a bunch of resources for veterans,” said Wilson. “If there are veterans who read this, I would encourage them to rely as much as possible on the Veteran Service Center.”