Ricks College Becomes BYU-Idaho
June 21, 2025, marked 25 years since President Gordon B. Hinckley announced in a surprise news conference that Ricks College would become Brigham Young University-Idaho.
With that statement, broadcast live from Salt Lake City to a Gymnasium full of students, employees, and community members in Rexburg, a new chapter of the Church Education System began.
Read President Hinckley's announcement and a retrospective of the employees who were present.
Retrospective of Employees
In the 25 years since that announcement, much has changed, yet the most important things have remained the same.
That morning, faculty and staff were summoned to the Hart Auditorium with little context. Speculation ranged from a new campus leader to a possible closure of the school. Few imagined the scale of what was to come.
"We had been told over and over that [becoming a university] would never happen. When [President Hicnkley] made the announcement, the whole gym erupted in cheers." —Jack Harrell, English Faculty Member
The moment marked a turning point. Many felt a deep sense of spiritual confirmation.
"There was a strong current in the room. Personally, I felt a deep spiritual confirmation—chills, even—that this was a divinely inspired transition." —Tammie Bagley, University Operations Employee Development Coordinator
While the name changed, the heart of the institution did not.
“[This is] a place where it’s easy to find the Savior … and the Spirit is welcome. BYU-Idaho is a place of second chances, a place of believing that ordinary people can do extraordinary things.” —Lane Williams, Communication Faculty Member
As Ricks transformed from a college into a university, the campus stayed committed to the same goal: nurturing students in a Christ-centered environment filled with love and purpose. Faculty and staff kept the personal connections and one-on-one mentoring that had always been Ricks College’s trademark, even as enrollment grew.
“The ‘Spirit of Ricks’ filled the campus. Employees were incredibly unified in providing an exceptional educational and spiritual experience for every student.” —Judy Steiner, Event Management Director
In the months and years that followed, BYU-Idaho faculty and staff worked tirelessly to expand academic offerings without compromising on cost, values, or student support. New four-year programs were developed not only to elevate educational opportunities, but to help students prepare for careers and service in the Lord’s kingdom.
“It was a lot of work. But there was divine guidance and help, and the backing of the Church made it a great experience.” —Greg Cameron, Mathematics Faculty Member
One guiding principle of the transformation was affordability. Even as BYU-Idaho became a four-year university, the institution retained its commitment to providing high-quality, accessible education at a price families could afford. That commitment continues today, offering students an affordable path to a bachelor’s degree.
Even amid uncertainty and change, many remember a joyful and optimistic energy following the announcement.
“There was this kind of electric environment that didn’t stop buzzing. Faculty and students … seemed to be so cheerful with the wonderful news we received.” —Grover Wray, Sociology and Social Work Faculty Member
As part of the transition, traditional intercollegiate sports were phased out, and a new activities program took their place. The new activities program continued the sports program’s focus on service, friendship, spiritual growth, and the Spirit of Ricks, and brought those attributes to the full student body, allowing every student to participate.
A quarter-century later, BYU-Idaho continues to carry forward the birthright of this prophetic vision. Enrollment has more than tripled, and programs have expanded in both breadth and innovation, all while staying deeply anchored in the university’s mission to “develop disciples of Jesus Christ who are leaders in their homes, the Church, and their communities.”
“BYU-Idaho is the fulfillment of prophecy and a miracle. We have been led well and have seen great things happen.” —John Ivers, Languages and International Studies Faculty Member
President Hinckley’s announcement was more than institutional news. It was a call to build: to build a university unlike any other, led by revelation, built on consecration, and defined by faith.
“We were not given the charge to duplicate what had been done elsewhere. We were building ‘a ship of curious workmanship,’ (as President David A. Bednar said in his 1998 inaugural address) and relying heavily on the Lord’s guidance to do so.” —Eric Embree, Communication Faculty Member
As the university celebrates this 25-year milestone, the spirit that once filled the halls of Ricks College continues to thrive. BYU-Idaho remains, above all else, a place where students come to grow in light and truth, and leave prepared to bless the world.
Covering the Transformation of Ricks College
Relive the excitement as Ricks College became BYU-Idaho through archived articles that capture this historic change.
Anxious students and employees gathered in the Hart Auditorium on the morning of June 21, 2000. All had received a phone call the night before informing them that an important announcement concerning Ricks College was to be made...
