Esp recognized for career achievements and legacy

Susan Esp, an associate professor in the School of Social Work, recently won the Idaho Conference on Alcohol and Drug Dependency Career Achievement Award.

Esp, a colleague who nominated her noted, has distinguished herself over a "long and deeply impactful career dedicated to individuals, families, and communities affected by substance use.

"For more than three decades, Dr. Esp has brought steady, thoughtful leadership to the field of addiction and behavioral health," said Sheila Weaver, ('14 and '18 social work, '25 public administration) project manager for the Idaho Caregiver Alliance, a project in the School of Public and Population Health. "Her work reflects a rare balance of clinical insight, academic rigor and practical application. Whether working directly with youth and families, training professionals or shaping systems, she has remained focused on what truly helps people heal and thrive."

Esp has been part of Boise State since 2000, serving as an associate professor, coordinating addiction studies through Boise State's School of Social Work and serving as associate director for the Institute for the Study of Behavioral Health and Addiction.

Educating future professionals results in better patient care

Supported through university grants and longstanding partnerships, including with the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, and in her variety of positions, Esp has trained and mentored generations of students and professionals. Many in the behavioral health field carry forward skills and perspectives shaped by her guidance.

Esp's successes in recent years have been built on her significant experience in the field. She previously worked as a residential treatment therapist for adolescents and as a school counselor and substance use prevention and intervention specialist. Those experiences have continued to inform her teaching and mentorship.

Her scholarship has focused on youth substance use, prevention science and the integration of mental health and substance use services. "She has consistently approached behavioral health through a public health lens, helping to shape more comprehensive and effective responses," Weaver noted.

"I'm delighted but not surprised that Susan's work is being recognized with this award," School of Social Work Divisional Dean Tony Roark said. "The expertise that Susan brings to the school has been remarkable, providing significant value to students' professional preparation, influencing public policy and advancing the state of knowledge in the field of substance use disorders."

Esp's impact on the people around her has been exponential.

"The true measure of her career can be seen in the countless lives improved through her work and in the professionals who continue that work every day," Weaver observed in her nomination, adding that Esp "has helped define what thoughtful, compassionate and effective work in addiction and behavioral health can look like."

The work is meaningful, as the Esp noted in acknowledging the recognition.

"Addiction studies makes an impact on students and our communities," Esp said.

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