Idaho State University President Robert Wagner recently toured Simplot’s facilities to view the Bengal locomotive after it received a new paint job and appeared in the Homecoming parade.

The visit highlighted a decades-long partnership between ISU and Simplot that spans athletics, academics and workforce development.

Andrea Gumm, public affairs manager at Simplot, said an ISU video crew accompanied Wagner to film the Bengal, a working locomotive used to move rail cars that’s now branded with Idaho State University colors and logos.

“The fun thing about this one is we have it all branded Idaho State University,” Gumm said.

Wagner said the video served as a promotion for the Nov. 15 football game against Weber State, ISU’s final home game of the season.

“What’s special about the Weber State game is because Ogden, Utah, and Pocatello, Idaho, are both railroad towns,” Wagner said. “For many years, the football game between Idaho State and Weber State has been known as the Train Bell Game.”

Simplot sponsors ISU athletic events and supports the Football Alumni Team, Gumm said.

The partnership’s cornerstone is the Simplot Games, which brings high school athletes from across the country to Pocatello for one of the nation’s largest track and field events.

“We’ve been so incredibly grateful to Simplot for their great support for decades and decades with the Simplot Games,” Wagner said. “It’s just building Idaho State University. It’s a great way to showcase this whole community.”

Gumm said the Simplot Games launched the relationship between the two institutions and has expanded into other areas.

Simplot also supports ISU’s Museum of Natural History with an exhibit and donated vehicles for archaeological expeditions.

“The opportunity to engage with the university on committees and advisory boards, I think the opportunities are endless,” Gumm said. “When we see an opportunity, we jump on it. We’re so grateful for the relationship with the university.”

The partnership extends to workforce development, with ISU students often finding employment at Simplot after graduation.

“Simplot needs a talented workforce,” Wagner said. “They need machinists, operators, safety officials. Our College of Technology works very closely with Simplot.”

Wagner said ISU aims to continue providing skilled workers to support Simplot’s operations.

“It’s such an economic driver for our community and for the state,” Wagner said. “Idaho State University really is interested in providing the workforce that Simplot and the rest of our community needs.”

Both leaders expressed confidence in the partnership’s future.

“I see it continuing,” Gumm said. “Simplot is very proud to be in this community. We want to do what we can to give back and work with partners like Idaho State.”