History

On November 12, 1888, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints created Bannock Stake Academy in Rexburg, Idaho. A few teachers were appointed to provide the basics in elementary education and spiritual growth. In 1903, the school was renamed Ricks Academy in honor of Thomas E. Ricks, who was the Bannock Stake President at that time as well as the chairman of the school's first Board of Education.

Elder Henry B. Eyring became president of Ricks College in 1971. His administrative and public relations skills ensured the college's successful transition from a regional junior college to the nation's largest private two-year college.

On June 21, 2000, the announcement was made by the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Board of Trustees of Ricks College that Ricks College would change from a two-year junior college status to a four-year institution. The school officially became known as Brigham Young University-Idaho on August 10, 2001. For a more detailed history of BYU-Idaho, please click here.