The current logo was introduced when the school changed from Ricks to BYU-Idaho.

The school before Brigham Young University-Idaho

Megan Ransom RAN04008@BYUI.EDU Campus Asst. Editor

About six years ago students and faculty gathered in the Hart Auditorium to hear an important announcement through an audio broadcast from President Gordon B. Hinckley.

“The First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Board of Trustees of Ricks College announce that Ricks College will change from its present two-year junior college status to a four-year institution. The new four-year school will be known as Brigham Young University-Idaho, with the name change designed to give the school immediate national and international recognition,” said President Hinckley.

Grant Johnson, student employment specialist at the BYU-I Career Placement Center, said when it was announced that Ricks College would turn into a four-year college there was almost a cheer that went through the auditorium.

But when President Hinckley continued to say Ricks College would be renamed Brigham Young University-Idaho, Johnson said there was silence.

This significant transition in the history of BYU-I brought about several changes.

One of the most significant was the elimination of intercollegiate sports.

There were those who were not too happy with this particular change. Johnson said he would almost call some people’s reactions murmuring.

“There were some great moments in Ricks College athletics, but we have a different task now,” said Phil Packer, associate academic vice president.

Though this announcement was met with mixed feelings, the year after the announcement the number of people contributing to the school through the alumni association increased, said Steve Davis, alumni association director.

“People loved the name Ricks College, but it was very localized. BYU-I has a national audience and a strong following. People continue to donate in record number,” Davis said.

The school has increased in size, but it has not changed in attitude.

“The Spirit of Ricks at that time [when the school was Ricks College] was really strong. It was smaller and I could probably name half the students. As we get bigger, it’s harder to maintain that Spirit,” Johnson said.

The Spirit continues though, as it is each individual’s choice whether or not to maintain the Spirit of Ricks in his or her own life, Johnson said.

Another major change greatly involved the faculty. While the previous college was a two-year institution, the focus of the faculty was to prepare the majority of the students to move on to a baccalaureate program.

“The biggest change [from Ricks College to BYU-I] is that now we are turning out four-year graduates who have to be capable and confident in their areas,” Packer said.

As the institution is now a four-year university, faculty must prepare students to find a career.

“We try to help students find avenues to suitable employment any way we possibly can,” Johnson said.

These changes were significant in this institution’s history and with significant changes, there may be sadness for what was before. Packer said Ricks College was great but he doesn’t long after the memories.

With the recent change of presidents at the university, more modifications are occurring regularly. President Kim B. Clark is helping to bring about additional alterations and initiatives.

“This is an exciting time,” Packer said.